{To&From}

Thought about posting a new outfit pic today, but I really thought you lovelies would appreciate this more.  Two of my blogger buddies put together an amazing gift guide called To&From.  The best part is that instead of just sharing most of their gift picks, they asked over fifty of their friends, many of who are serious bloggers or taskmasters in everything fashionable, trendy, or user friendly, to share their picks.  They have split gifts up by color, family  members, friends with certain styles, and more.  They really have not missed a beat.  So shop on, but I recommend going in with a budget because if you are like me you will want to snatch up so many of these gifts for your loved ones.  Happy Shopping...J  

Scarf / Necklace / Jewel Box

So with all the amazing gift guides out there {more to come on that soon}, there was one tiny little trinket that has been on my mind.  This darling apple jewel box from BCBG.  Do I need an apple shaped, tiny, box to hold jewels?  No, but look at her.  She is cute as a button!  So I thought I would round up a couple of other items that have been the "apple of my eye" today.  Which is your favorite?  Happy Tuesday...J

{Love You: Anna}

Photography by Keely Young

I know I am a smidge late on this one since Friday happened a couple of days ago.  But the beautiful Anna of TulipLouise needed a couple of extra days since she was recently in the most magical place on earth, D-I-S-N-E-Y.  This is a case where better late is most definitely better than never.  If you check in on DahilaLynn often, you know that Ms. Anna of the amazing TulipLouise is one of my oldest and closest friends.  I am so thrilled to have this pretty girl on the blog today talking about what she loves about herself.

"

My eye for fashion + beauty.  Fashion was my first love in life, and I’m fortunate enough to do what I enjoy m-o-s-t… every single day!  On set for photo shoots + helping people look their best?  That is what makes my heart skip a beat.  This appreciation for beautiful things isn’t limited to fashion, but also spans into the arts, a thoughtful space, an inspiring window display, an unexpected floral arrangement, a great song, or a provoking photo editorial.  These are the things that truly make me tick.  

My family.  I am so unbelievably thankful that I was born into a fantastic family, full of characters.  When the world gets crazy, they are my constant.  I often ponder that I don’t know where I would be today without their love and support.

My resemblance to my mom.  We most definitely cannot deny our kinship—especially in our eyes.

My parallel parking skills + that I can drive a stick.  HA, I strangely take a lot of pride in both of these things!  Any chance I get, you’ll find me parallel parking or backing into a space-- it’s just a strange little quirk.  Driving a stick seems to be a thing of the past, but my parents insisted I learn.  My first car was a {precious} standard VW Beetle.       

My dimple.  I think dimples are beyond cute, and I like that I only have one… it feels unique! 

Thank you so much for having me, darling Jess!  Love Y-O-U, Anna xo"

It is always fun for me to have a buddy that I know really well on the "Love You" series because though there are some "loves" that I could have guessed, there is always at least one that I would not have guessed.  Certainly none of Anna's sweet "loves" took me by surprise, but I loved that she shared her love for resembling her mom.  I too resemble my mother, and there is something so special about that resemblance that reminds me I was raised by a strong, loving, beautiful, and amazing woman that I strive to be like.  I also love that Anna highlights for us her "love" of a skill.  There are so many little skills we all have, parallel parking, driving a stick, or folding a fitted sheet, that on some level make us proud, and we too often take these skills for granted.  Anna reminds us of the so many little things we "love" about ourselves.  Thank you Anna for such a wonderful way to start the week.  Lotsa love...J 

Top / Skirt / Booties / Purse

So I had the most delightful visit yesterday with one of my buddies that just opened the most amazing boutique in my home town, Hazel's Haven.  Meagan and her sweet mother made their own dreams come true by opening an amazing store where women of all shapes, sizes, and ages can come and find the perfect something or somethings to spruce up their wardrobe.  I have some exciting news to share about our new partnership, so stay tuned.  

 

After visiting, I took several trips around her store trying to decide what of the many things I wanted to try on, and I was blow away to find the most amazing gold pleated skirt tucked away in a corner.  I had seen Meagan post the image on her website weeks ago, and I was certain the skirt would have sold like hotcakes, but she had only sold two.  This was a victory for me since I was able to snatch one up, but it got us talking about why the item might not be selling.  Did I mention it doubles as a dress too?  

 

We landed on the fact that some people might not know exactly what to do with such a bright item.  So I thought I would throw together a little causal look for you today featuring, you guessed it or maybe you didn't that's ok, a gold pleated skirt.  In my opinion, a casual oversized sweater or top combined with a cross body bag in a rich hue can give the skirt a more casual, no fuss look.  What do you think...would you wear this fun look around town?  If the answer is yes, hop on over to HH and try on the amazing gold pleated skirt because it is one item you will not regret having.  Did I mention it is a fraction of the price for all the gold pleated skirts I found online?  Happy shopping...J

Honest Hats

So these images turned out a little wacky.  My feet looked like fluorescent light bulbs, so I decided to just share bits and pieces of this look.  What do you think of the hat?  I will be honest.  But as a side note I have always thought that saying, "I will be honest" is just weird.  I mean, I feel like any time you use that phrase it implies the rest of the time you are just telling lies.  Are you starting to worry I am telling lies all the time because I am not.  

So back to my original thought, if I am honest with you, I love hats, but they are the one accessory I sometimes feel silly in.  I don't know why, and it never stops me from wearing them, but I think I see hats and sometimes align them with mischief.  And who really wants people thinking they are up to mischief?  Not me, usually, but nevertheless, here I am in all my glory wearing a hat.  What do you think?  Happy almost Turkey Day...J

Sweater {Express}, Button-up {J.Crew}, Pants {Forever21}, Hat {Blush Boutique}, Specs {SEE}

{Love You: Tess}

Photo Credit Eugen Grace Weddings

So happy today to be introducing you to a buddy of mine that I met through DahliaLynn jewelry.  Tess Labeth just happens to be one of my biggest supporters, since she has carried my jewelry line in here amazing shop since it's opening.  I can still remember the first time we chatted about working together, and as a tiny business she was so encouraging, kind, and willing to do whatever she could to make our working relationship happen.  I will be forever grateful for the chance she took on my tiny jewel business and for all the encouragment she has given me along the way.  Keep reading to learn more about Tess and what she loves about herself today.

"Jessica, thank you so much for considering me for the feature. I’m so thankful to be able to

share what I love in your Love You Series.

Family: I am so thankful for the love of my family. I am a daughter, sister, granddaughter,

niece, cousin, and most recently - auntie. My family fulfills me in more ways than I can

express. Their constant love and support is always encouraging and I’m privileged to have such

abundant love amongst so many people. Thick as thieves, we are.

The Story of Us: I’m so in love with our story, and him. Our journey is unique and perfect for

us. He makes me feel so beautiful and loved. I can’t bear the thought of not having him... and

he is so much more wonderful than I ever thought the love of my life would be. Just wonderful.

SF: I am fortunate enough to have my own business which I love - day in and day out! I

opened Savoir-Faire, a women’s boutique, in September 2011 and have never looked back. It

makes me so happy... and kind of crazy. I eat, sleep, and breathe it but wouldn’t have it any

other way. SF has required me to push myself in many ways I never believed I could. It’s

constantly teaching me things and I find it so interesting and amusing... that it’s my creation. I

am so so proud of it and I can’t imagine my life without it.

Style: I absolutely love dressing myself... it’s the easiest form of self expression. My style is

feminine and eclectic and I find it simple to recreate everyday. I have a slight obsession with

vintage jewels and head pieces are utter happiness to me. I once had someone tell me they

would love to get inside my brain... to see how it works. And that, I simply adore.

Memories: I love holding on to memories... and making new ones. One thing I will never let

go - taking bubble baths at my Grandmothers and the scent of Caress soap. My Grandmother

always has used Caress bar soap and I would give anything to bottle the fragrance to wear

everyday. I loved slumber parties at Grandmother & Grandaddy’s... those are times my sister &

I will never forget. Another, my Granddaddy taught me how to drive when I was 12... in his navy

blue Crown Vic. Will never forget that summer.

Throughout my life things have changed... my childhood was fantastic and so is adulthood. I

look forward, and already enjoy, the memories Cody and I are creating. We got engaged in

Italy... and we’re planning our honeymoon trip to Paris! I look forward to the future with him, my

family, and Savoir-Faire. Only time will tell how my love will continue to grow... for myself, my

loved ones, and others."

I really feel like this post is such a perfect glimpse into Tess' beautiful life.  My favorite love for the day is Tess' love of her memories.  This was such a unique one because I think we all love and cherish our memories, but how often do we gift thanks for them.  So many memories not only remind us of where we have been, but often shape who we are and who we want to become.  Thank you sweet Tess for the lovely loves today.  I hope everyone has safe travels over the weekend.  Lotsa love...J

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals}

Rug / Chair / Table / Coral / Chandelier / Stool

Scarf / Purse / Necklace / Booties / Top / Pants

Still cannot believe it is already November!  Today I am loving the comfy chair that Michelle found and the fun leggings I found.  They would make the perfect combo to curl up and read a book after a Thanksgiving feast or with a warm cup of coffee to catch up with family.  Happy Thursday...J