Trend Watch Wednesday: Print On Print

Good morning and happy Wednesday, blog friends! Is it just me, or is this week moving along rather quickly? Can you guys believe that we have to "spring" forward on Sunday? Sigh....I really don't want to lose an hour of sleep, but I am ready for longer days.

It will be so great to get out of work in the afternoon while the sun is still up, haha.

Ok, first today, I need to thank Jessica from Kitchen Belleicious for bestowing the Blogger BFF Award upon me! If you are in need of some new recipes or just need some inspiration in the kitchen, I highly suggest checking out K.B. It's one of my fave cooking blogs!

Now let's do some Trend Watching!

I'm SO excited about this week's topic because it's so fun and fresh.

This spring, it's all about mixing up your prints and layering colors. Tribal with tie-dye, petals with polka dots, stripes with animal prints, pretty much anything goes.

Though I'm not so sure I could pull off the cropped top featured below, I'm loving this look on the model. Notice how she paired the cobalt blue shorts with the yellow-green heels? Such a great color combo.

Neither one of these prints is too over-the-top and that is why this outfit works. The simple floral print on the red tunic and micro-polka-dot shorts don't compete for attention; rather they kind of balance each other out. And don't even get me started on how fabulous those wedges are...

Thought you couldn't pair stripes and dots, huh? Well, think again. Once more, it's all about balance. Small stripes + BIG dots= Awesomeness. And what do ya'll think about that heart print bag? Cuteness!!

This outfit totally took me back to the early 90's with that denim vest, haha. However, I think it totally works with the micro mini dress and black wedge booties. It's all good though...the ink blot print on the dress and the grommets on the handbag (Alicia bag by Marc Jacobs, pictured below), make this outfit soooo 2010.

This skirt and top worked so well together, I actually thought this was a dress at first. Try pairing two tones of the same print/fabric together to replicate this look. It would be so perfect for a girl's night out...

Doesn't this skirt almost look like marble? I'm digging the contrast of it paired with the pale yellow, ruffle neck cropped top.

Not ready to go full-out with mixing your prints yet? That's totally ok. Instead, opt for a mixed-print or multi-colored handbag, like one of these from Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Happy Dot Mabel Tote

Printed Damisi Collage Tote

Have you experimented with mixing prints yet? How did it work for you?

Be blessed, lovelies-

XOXO,

Leslie

Photo credits: Shopbop.com, Marc Jacobs

Think Pink

The sun is shining today in NWA and your girl couldn't be happier! Something about the warmer weather and longer days just puts me in a good mood, ya know?

As always, a few random tidbits before we get to the post:

- I've quite possibly done the most idiotic thing and signed up for, not one, but TWO races, 2 weekends in a row. I've been hitting the gym and training diligently for a 5K at the end of April, (the 2010 Family Fun Run to benefit the Bentonville Firefighters), but now it seems I'm training for an additional race to take place the weekend prior, (the Annual Hog Eye Marathon in Fayetteville.) I figure it will be even more motivation for me to visit the gym nightly. I just hope this doesn't kill me, haha.

- I found the most fabulous Juicy Couture bag on Shopbop last night and, as soon as I've got the extra cash, it will be mine! Just take a look-see here and check out the photo below.

- Finally hitting the yoga mat tonight after an extended hiatus and I'm so excited and ready. Yoga is one of my all-time fave work-outs, but I've been doing more gym/cardio stuff lately in preparation for the 5K(s). Ready to hit the mat and work up a sweat!

(And for you peeps who live in NWA, I use Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville. Andrea and her team of instructors are amazing and they will get your body in the best shape ever!)

-I'm going to try my hand at making these decorative balls later this evening, (after yoga, of course.) I'm going to do mine in dark reds and browns, since that's the color of my decor at home. Wish me luck!

Now let's think pink! Pink decor. Pink fabulousness. Shabby chic, pink.

Colors like pink, lavender, green and yellow are synonymous with springtime and the Easter season and can be used in home decorating to "freshen up" a space after a long winter.

The following photos from House to Home, (a U.K.-based design website), showcase the beauty of perfect, feminine pink used in interior decorating.

Pink with Yellow Accents

The crisp whiteness, bold fushia and bright yellow in this family room are like a breath of fresh air.

Pink Floral Headboard

This custom-made headboard could be a total DIY project. Just grab a staple gun, some batting and a similar shabby chic floral print fabric and voila! A brand "new" bed, perfect for spring!

Parisan Pink Perfection

The wannabe-princess in me loves this oh-so-femme sitting room. From the bubblegum pink wall color, to the vintage chairs, to the poodle coffee table sculpture, this room is for hardcore girly girls only.

Muted Pink Dining Room

This dining room is definitely a muted version of pink decorating, but I love it just the same. The white vintage chandelier and blue goblets provide just the right touch of elegance.

Whimsical Pink Boudouir

Pink carpet? Check. Ginormous egg-shaped wicker swing chair? Got it. Rose encapsulated side table lamp? It's there.

Kitchsy? Maybe a little. But how fun would it be to spend a weekend in this room?

Pink Palace

If I was 5 years old again, you better believe I'd be begging my mom for this room. From the teensy little chandelier (did you notice that?), to the pink gingham print curtains, this room is a little girl's dream.

Pink in High Style

The designer of this room deserves a huge pat on the back for his/her perfect use of pink accents. You'll notice that none of the shades of pink are matching, yet they all compliment each other so nicely. And the use of steely gray in the couch and side table make the accent colors pop out even more.

Have a fabtastic Tuesday. Get some fresh air and start dreaming of spring; it's right around the corner!

Be blessed, lovelies-

XOXO,

Leslie

Photo credits: House to Home, Shopbop.com

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

You'll have to forgive the tardiness of this post, I'm a little slow-going this morning. It is Monday, after all.

Did ya'll have a good weekend? Mine was great! I got to see the folks and catch up on all the happenings back home. I hadn't been back to my teeny little hometown or even seen my family since Christmas, so I was definitely past due for a visit.

Ok, did any of you guys watch the Oscars last night? I purposefully drove 80 mph the whole way home, just so I could catch the telecast. It is my favorite awards show and I SO LOVE looking at all the actresses' dresses.

I was pleasantly surprised with the show this year, I must say. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin did a great job co-hosting and everyone looked beautiful.

Since I'm a southern girl and my mom drilled into my head that, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all," I will only elaborate on the looks I liked, haha. Here were my favorites:

Sandra Bullock

Her embroidered lace and metallic sheath dress by Marchesa was out of this world. She looked every bit the classy, beautiful lady we know and love.

Miley Cyrus

Alot of the critics weren't crazy about this dress, but I actually thought it was quite flattering on her. I like the style/shape of the gown and the color works!

Queen Latifah

This rose/lavender colored dress by Chopard fit this Queen to a tee. She was positively glowing in this gown.

Zoe Saldana

Here's yet another dress the critics didn't love, but I was actually a fan. I thought the color and the unique shape worked for her body. She definitely didn't play it safe, but totally managed to stand out in a sea of black ball gowns.

Penelope Cruz

P.C.'s dusky red number by Donna Karan was so reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Her jewelry, courtesy of Chopard, perfectly accented the whole look.

Tina Fey

This TV funnywoman looked anything but comical last night in her one-shoulder Michael Kors gown.

Cameron Diaz

With a rockin' body like hers, it's hard for Cammie to ever look bad. Last night, she looked even better than usual in her embellished Oscar de la Renta gown and Cartier diamond ring.

If you didn't catch the broadcast, here's the low-down:

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker

Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker

Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side

Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, Precious

My favorite moment of the evening was probably when Neil Patrick Harris took the stage to perform. He acts, he sings, he dances...I mean seriously, is there anything the guy doesn't do? Love me some NPH!

Did you catch last night's Oscars? Who is on your best-dressed list? What were your fave moments of the broadcast?

Now go forth and conquer Monday!

Be blessed, lovelies!

XOXO,

Leslie

Photo credits: Yahoo courtesy of Getty Images, {this is glamorous}

Fabulous Fêtes: Oscars 2010

Greetings and happy Saturday! I'm so glad to be back to the blogosphere after an unintended 2 day hiatus. Unfortunately blogging has taken a backseat to other, more pressing things this week, but hopefully I'll be able to get back into the swing of things over the next couple of days.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've LOVED watching the Oscars! It's by far my most favorite awards show and the fashionista in me can't wait to see the various "looks" of all the stars.

This year's telecast should definitely be an interesting one. Although I'm not crazy about the idea of having dual hosts, (Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin), and not loving the idea of TEN Best Picture nominees, (I mean, isn't the point of a nomination the exclusivity?)....I have to say, I'm still kinda psyched for show.

Throwing an Oscar bash of your own? Looking for some inspiration for your soiree? Check out these Grade-A sites for some party themes even the Academy would approve of:

Bakerella

From movie marquee sugar cookies to popcorn bucket-shaped brownies, the diva of baked goods shows us how it's done! I mean, just take a look at the Julie and Julia-inspiried cupcakes below. So cute!

How about an edible golden statuette? Bakerella has you covered.

Hostess with the Mostess

No party-throwing idea list would be complete without HWTM. I'm positively obsessing over the movie photo candle cylinders (see below).

And don't even get me started on the roses and pearls in the Manzanita theme...pure perfection, darlings.

Social Couture

From centerpiece materials, to silverware to party favors, SC is a one-stop-shop for all essential party items. Every item in the Hollywood Glam theme is pretty fabulous. Although it's probably a little late to order things for Sunday's award show, you could totally rock this same theme for a fun birthday or bachelorette party.

I'm really not rooting for any one actor or movie Sunday, (I honestly haven't even seen most of the nominated films), but I have to say, it would be so great to see Sandra Bullock win for Best Actress. And there's no doubt she will be looking gorgeous!

Do you plan to watch tomorrow's Oscar telecast? Who are YOU rootin' for?

Have a swell Saturday, (yes, I realize no one has used the word "swell" since 1984, haha.)

Be blessed, lovelies!

XOXO,

Leslie

Photo credits: Social Couture, Hostess with the Mostess, Bakerella