Special Guest: {Dee's Day}

My lovely and stinkin' adorable friend Dee (yep, Dee from High Heel Mafia) graciously offered to guest post for me today. Two reasons for this: 1) Work has been kuh-razy this week and is requiring the majority of my attention and critical thinking skills at the moment and; 2) We all need a fresh face, (or voice), from time to time.

In case you haven't caught any of the High Heel Mafia posts before, let me give you a little background info on Dee:

-She is a natural blonde (gasp! They really do exist.)

-She is an Arkansas native; born and raised below the Mason-Dixon and currently living in Northwest Arkansas.

-She is my co-worker, most trusted confidant and partner in crime. Together, we do serious retail damage and have been known to haunt a well-known martini bar on Dickson Street.

-She loves Bradley Cooper, miniature dachsunds and long walks on the beach.

Without further adieu, take it away girlie-poo.

................................................................................................................................................................

Thank you, thank you Leslie for that wonderful introduction! How is everybody out there in blogland today?

Yes Leslie, it has most def been a loco week at work. Am I the only one that’s super excited that it’s Friday? I don’t have one specific topic today so excuse me while I ramble for a bit.

This summer, I've taken a few road trips and have more planned, heard some great live music, visited some old friends and made some new ones. And, of course, eaten some good ol’ Southern cookin’. Ahhh, summertime...

I’ve consumed at least 1,000 gallons of sweet tea. Yes, I’ve once again become addicted to the stuff. I officially fell off the wagon during a weekend in Memphis. Since then, I’ve had to go to Sonic during happy hour for my sweet tea fix at least three times a week. I’m actually enjoying a glass as I write this. Any other sweet tea addicts out there?

This week I found out my cousin, (who is just like a younger brother to me), is coming to visit at the end of August. I haven’t seen him in a while, but it won’t take long for us to start picking on each other like we did when were kids. Yeah, that’s how we show love in my family – making fun of each other and telling embarrassing stories.

“Mad Men” has started a new season! That Don Draper is such a bad boy but he’s oh so dreamy…

“Project Runway” kicked off a new season last night! I love some PR on Thursday nights. The most recent winner, Seth Aaron, will always hold a special place in my heart, but I think it will be a great season, once again. Who are your early favorites?

Looking forward to the premiere of “Top Chef: Just Desserts” sometime this Fall. I’ve been a “Top Chef” fan for a while now but personally, I’m more of a baker than a chef so I’m pumped about this show. Has anyone heard the official kick-off date?

Very excited about the “Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta” premiere. Cannot wait to see this! The only thing crazier than a bride is a crazy SOUTHERN bride. Miss Scarlett, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Just from the previews, I can tell there will be lots of awesome drama with a Southern accent, to boot!

In October, I’ll be headed to my little hometown for my high school reunion. It should be good times. We had a 10 year reunion so that makes this is our…. 20 year reunion. What? 20 years? No way. That means I’m…. When did that happen?

Well, I have rambled enough for this day. Signing off for Leslie...ciao, Blonde Ambitioners!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Style Me Pretty

A Southern Belle's Guide to Surviving Summer

Hello dolls, (and happy Friday!) The High Heel Mafia has returned this week to talk about a very crucial topic: Summer beauty products.

Here in Arkansas, (well, basically anywhere in the south right now), it is sweltering. Seriously, within 10 minutes of being out in this heat and humidity, your carefully applied make-up just melts right off. And as far as hair goes…forget it. We ladies below the Mason Dixon line usually opt for the ponytail during this season because our weather is not too kind to coifs.

So, we’ve devised a little summer survival list of our favorite beauty loot. All items are High Heel Mafia-used-and-approved, and we think ya’ll will dig em’ too:

Leslie’s Picks

1. Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer- {$65 from Sephora}

This miracle-in-a-jar isn’t cheap, but it is phenomenal. It’s a great day or night cream that provides just enough moisture to your face without making it shiny.

2. Fresh brand Soy Facial Cleanser- {$35 from Sephora}

With its all-natural ingredients and fresh, cucumber scent, this is the best summertime cleanser I’ve ever used. It’s gentle enough to double as an eye-makeup remover and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and purged of all ickiness.

3. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder- {$28 from MAC Cosmetics}

I put this on last year’s “Fave Beauty Product” list and, not surprisingly, it made the list again. This stuff stands up to hours of lying by the pool or power shopping at the outdoor mall. Get thee to a make-up counter and snag some now.

4. O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper- {$24 from Sephora}

This might be the coolest lip gloss ever…I’m just sayin. You see, it reacts with your own body heat to create a lovely au’ natural glow and makes your pout look ever so juicy and kissable.

5. Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner- {price varies, see Aveda salons for details}

This is a must year-round for me, but especially during May-August. It repairs the damage of chlorinated pools, tanning beds (yep, those fry your hair and your skin, double score!) and flat irons and renders my strands oh-so-silky smooth and soft.

Dee’s Picks

1. David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray- {$9.95 from dbwildaid.com}

I read about this stuff in In-Style magazine last summer and just had to try it for myself. On those days when the humidity is 200% here in the south, (which is often), I skip the flat iron and opt for "crazy hair", as I like to call it. One spritz of this and my hair is beach-chic.

2. TIGI Bed Head After-Party- {price varies, see a TIGI salon for details}

This serum smooths my hair when it's straight, add gloss when it's wavy or provides sheen when it's pulled up. One bottle lasts forever.

3. Snag-Free Hair Elastics in Clear- {$3.50 from Sephora}

A girl can never have too many hair elastics. On rainy days, hot and humid days or days when I just don't want to get up and deal with my hair, I grab one of these. A sleek ponytail or messy up-do can look great no matter what the weather is like or how late you got up for work (oops ; )

4. H2O (We prefer SmartWater)- {$3 per bottle at Target, but any aqua will do}

Sounds simple right? It's super-important to hydrate before and after going out in the sun or if you're planning to indulge in a few frozen concoctions or lemon drop martinis. Stay well-hydrated this summer ladies, your skin and body will thank you.

So there you have it; HHM's survival guide to looking gorge this summer. Whatever you’re doing this weekend, wherever your wheels take you, be safe, be happy, and most of all-

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

P.S.- A VERY special thanks to Leigh Ashley for passing along the Sugar Doll award...it totally made my afternoon! If you haven't visited her blog, you are so missing out : )

Photo credits: Coco + Kelley

Adventures of the High Heel Mafia: Part 6

{Photo via}

For reference: Black text= Leslie; Teal text= Dee

Oh me, oh my… Our favorite day of the week hath arrived…

So very happy we are mere hours away from the start of the weekend. Do ya’ll have big plans?

Our post today is all about the men we love. Rather, the famous men we love. Particularly those on the silver screen.

What can we say? We are shameless and self-indulgent. That’s just how we roll.

So without further adieu, here are the leading men that make us act like 13 year olds:

1) Johnny Depp- Dee is laughing at me…she knew this would be my first pick. I remember seeing him in Edward Scissor Hands and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? and thinking, “hmmm…he’s…cute…I think…” But it wasn’t until Blow that I truly realized the rare hotness of Mr. Depp. I mean really, ever in the history of drug lords and pirate captains and Mad Hatters was there a more attractive fellow? I think not.

2) Billy Crudup- Leslie knew I would have him on my list. We both love, love, love the movie Almost Famous. Billy plays the elusive, interview dodging lead guitarist, Russell Hammond, in the rock band Stillwater. You know how we enjoy our bad boy musicians...

3) Aaron Eckhart- Dunno what it is about this guy, but ever since Erin Brockovich, I’ve had a wee little crush. I think he just seems so genuine and endearing and, well, manly. Like he could fix your flat tire or build cabinets from matchsticks. And let’s not kid ourselves…that smile? Get outta town.

4) Taye Diggs- You may know him as Dr. Sam Bennett in Private Practice but when he first smiled at Stella in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I understood why she took a chance on the guy that was half her age. That smile of his would make a woman of any age go weak in the knees.

5) Ryan Gosling- I know everyone fell for him in The Notebook, (and rightfully so), but it was the indie flick Half Nelson that did it for me. I’m a sucker for a “deep thinker/tortured soul” kind of guy, and his gritty and honest performance in that movie that had me hooked on Ryan.

6) Joseph Fiennes- Yes, he played William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love and is currently on the small screen in Flash Forward, but it was love at first sight when I saw him in The Very Thought of You. He also has a lovely English accent, which adds to his deliciousness. And Ralph Fiennes is his older brother, so apparently hotness runs in the family.

7) Gael Garcia Bernal- You may or may not know his name, but I guarantee you’ll remember his face. Gael hails from Mexico and we all know how I feel about those Latin boys... He appeared in several foreign films before hitting the states for parts in movies like Babel and Blindness. His pale green eyes and thick accent will probably work their magic on you, too.

8) John Cusack- I don’t really know when my crush on Mr. Cusack started but it had to be sometime during the 80s. Yes, many a girl fell hard when he blasted “In Your Eyes” from his boombox in Say Anything. I just think he’s gotten more handsome over the years. He’s not the blockbuster movie type, which I think adds to his appeal. I adore High Fidelity and Grosse Pointe Blank.

9) Bradley Cooper- I don’t know what to say about The Coop. There really are no words. Does anyone else remember that opening scene in The Hangover where he’s standing there dirty, a little beat-up and wearing those amazing aviator sunglasses, looking ever-so-sexy? I fell in love at that moment, split lip and all.

10) Alex O'Loughlin- You may not have seen him yet but this stud is worth getting to know. Currently in The Back-up Plan with J. Lo, he first caught my eye in the short lived TV series Moonlight where he played a mortal-friendly vampire. This fall he’s starring in the new version of Hawaii Five-0. Did I mention he’s Australian? And this Southern girl LOVES an Aussie accent.

Wow, I cannot believe we dedicated an entire post to our moviestar crushes. How very Tiger Beat Magazine of us.

I must say it was very stressful coming up with this list. It wasn’t hard to think of five hot boys. It was hard to narrow down my list to five hot boys.

Tough, but someone has to do it. So it's your turn now, ladies. Do tell…which men of the big screen makes your heart go pitter-patter?

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

Adventures of the High Heel Mafia: Part 5

Hellooooo Friday. So nice to see you again.

Guess what, ya’ll? It’s HHM day here at A Blonde Ambition, which has quickly become one of my favorite blogging days, (partially because it gives me an excuse to find cute pics of high heels for the opening photo and partially because it’s just fun to brainstorm on crazy ideas with one of my best gal pals.)

I’ve never met a Friday I didn’t like! This time of year with the great weather, fun festivals and road trips around the area, they are even a bit sweeter. It’s Friday and I’m ready for another fun filled weekend to begin.

See, Dee is pumped. Dee loves a Friday.

Today’s topic is RANDOM. We love random. In fact, random pretty much defines our lives. And we’re ok with that.

“When I grow up, I want to be…”

Do ya’ll ever think about what careers you might have pursued if you weren’t in your current job? We’ll preface this by saying, we actually very much like our current jobs.

Yes, we do. This is just for fun and purely hypothetical.

In fact, Dee and I work together, which is how we met and became friends in the first place. We both work in marketing for a large financial institution in Northwest Arkansas; I manage the web content and Dee handles the non-web stuff.But, if we had to choose other career paths (some logical and realistic, some not), we would be:

1. A fashion writer- (Leslie) I know, big shocker, right? Ya’ll probably never guessed that I loved writing about clothes and such, did you? But fashion does something for my soul. It inspires me and makes me happy, which in turn, makes me want to put pen to paper and share my finds and ideas with other people. Sappy, I am.

2. A jewelry designer – (Dee) When I was just a wee little girl, one of my favorite things to do was to go through my grandmother’s jewelry box. I would spend hours trying on all the fun and colorful pieces and make up stories about where I was going wearing all of my jewels. Today, I still have a weakness for costume jewelry and vintage pieces. I would love to design new collections and search the world for unique stones and styles. I’m sure the hardest part would be not keeping it all for myself.

3. A hairstylist- (Leslie) My mom was one of the best hair stylists in our little town for many, many years and she passed her love of teasing combs, hairspray and highlights on to her baby girl. I can remember watching her get ready in the mornings and being in awe of how pretty she was as she went out to change Heber Springs, one head of hair at a time. She retired from hairstyling a few years ago to spend more time around the house, but her stories from the salon make me think I might just enjoy a similar career.

4. A souvenir shop owner – (Dee) Yes, that kind of shop complete with shot glasses, t-shirts and cheesy trinkets. Of course the shop would be located on a beautiful palm tree lined beach and I would wear flip-flops, shorts and a t-shirt to work everyday. It would be interesting to meet tourists from all over the world and hear their stories. Plus, living near the beach, I would have an awesome tan all year long! Honestly, I would rather be a beach bum, but I don’t think there is much pay involved with that.

5. A personal stylist- (Leslie) I would love to trade places with Rachel Zoe. Can you imagine having 24-7 access to designers like Alexander Wang and Proenza Schuler? All those clothes and accessories at arm’s length…it’s too much to wrap my head around. Plus, I love helping other people dress themselves. Ok, that sounds weird. I don’t mean physically helping them put their clothes on, but well…you get the just.

6. Floral designer – (Dee) I don’t really know that much about flowers per se, but I do know that getting them from a "special someone" or on a special occasion makes people happy. Now how great would it be to be a part of that every day? Having a room filled with flowers at my disposal with just the right music playing sounds like a nice way to spend the day, no?

7. A dance teacher- (Leslie) I took dance lessons for well over 15 years, which explains my love for Dancing with the Stars and the reason my feet are so bony and beaten, (sexy, I know.) Toe shoes do a number on your feet, ladies.

Ballet, tap, jazz…heck, I can even clog, (Red River Cloggers, holla!!) Dancing is such a fun form of self-expression. Not to mention, dancers have killer bodies, which is a definite added bonus. I really do think that one day, maybe as a side job, I’ll open a dance studio.

8. A travel writer – (Dee) I do appreciate sleeping in my own comfy bed, but if I could travel more often and stay in swank hotels, I would. I wouldn’t mind living out of a suitcase if it meant I got to see the world and write about it. Of course, it would be even better if I could take a few friends with me. I love meeting people when I travel, learning about local customs and sites and of course, the food. No, I’m not talking about the “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” type of cuisine, but I do like to try new things.

9. An interior decorator or architect- (Leslie) One of my favorite things to do in my downtime is to peruse the pages of Architecture Digest and House Beautiful. It’s also not a coincidence that I love to watch shows like 9 By Design and Flipping Out. I think it’s such a cool process to take an old, crummy house and turn it into something bigger, better and completely stylish; bring it back to life, if you will.

10. A music or movie reviewer – (Dee) I love listening to music and I love watching movies. Why not get paid for it?

Ok, well those are a few of HHM’s many different career aspirations. Now we’re dying to hear what you guys would do, so please comment away.

From us to you, have a smashing weekend.

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

Photo credits: {this is glamorous}

Project Runway Round-Up (HHM Style)

(all photos courtesy of Lifetime TV)

Hmm, what to talk about?....Let's see....oh.

SETH AARON WON PROJECT RUNWAY.

Angels in heaven burst into song last night when Heidi called his name as the Season 7 winner, I'm quite sure of it. Our little Project Runway watch party also burst into song, or rather squeals and screams, which I'm sure the guys that live below me totally appreciated, ha.

Do you think we were too loud, Dee?

Too loud? No, I don't think we were too loud. Too nerdy? Maybe.

Anyway, our boy Seth Aaron blew Emilio and icky Mila right off the Bryant Park runway...

That's right he did!

Seriously! His collection might have been my favorite of PR finale history. Gushing, I am.

So in case you guys missed it, here are a few of Seth Aaron's brilliant looks from last night's show:






Donna's got love for SA, don't ya Dee?

Um, Seth Aaron was my favorite on the first episode (and yes, I developed a bit of a crush) so I'll admit, I was holding my breath until the end. I thought his whole collection was awesome, but my absolute favorite was the black and white dress.


Agreed. That dress killed.

To be fair though, Emilio did turn out a couple of really impressive pieces, like this one:


...and this one:


And Mila, well, there really is no need to post pics or recap her hot mess of a collection. Just imagine a really badly color-blocked flour sack, paired with the cheapest looking trench coat you could find and, well, there you have it.

Oh and one word. Mohair. Seriously?

No kidding. Nothing says modern comfort like an entire outfit made completely of mohair. Makes me need a Benedryl just thinking about it...

So anyway, Seth Aaron was amazing, Emilio was lukewarm and Mila was just bad. And there you have HHM's very eloquently written summary of the Project Runway finale.

Now, since we are total PR nerds, of course we had to tune in to the Reunion Show that aired after the finale. This whole segment was a hoot because Mr. Anthony himself was there to provide some very quote-worthy commentary. Everything that comes from the "Mouth of the South" is golden.


Oh Anthony! I will miss you most of all! Leslie and I talked about how much fun it would be to hang out with him for a night. I think he should write a book of all his funny quotes and bits of wisdom. From dubbing Mila as “sketchy” to calling out Emilio for taking a “mid-price jab” instead of a cheap jab, Anthony kept me laughing and wondering what he would say next.


He was a breath of fresh air this season, always managing to slice through all the pretentious poo-poo of the workroom.

Well, there you have it. What more shall we say? Can we say? Need we say?

Seth Aaron dominated and all is right in the world this morning.

Hey Leslie, since our boy won, this calls for a celebration at some point. Did I hear the words lemon drop martini?

You did. And yes, let the celebrating commence.

Until next week,

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

P.S.- Don't forget to sign up for the Missiko flat iron giveaway before 10 p.m. CST tonight. I'm shutting it down after that and trust me ladies, you want to win this.

*UPDATE- Kitchen Belleicious was the fabulous winner of the flat iron! Congrats to her and thanks to everyone who entered!!

Adventures of the High Heel Mafia: Part 3

Hello pretties! Well, Dee and I are as happy as clams that it's Friday (yeah, I just said "happy as clams") and we're sure you are, too.

We are so excited to be back for the third installment of our High Heel Mafia series, which has been such a cool little addition to A Blonde Ambition, (not to mention, a great excuse for Dee and I to get together and drink martinis to discuss “business” for the blog, haha.)

This week’s topic…

Top 10 Things That Always “Work” For Us

Kind of random, but we thought you might have fun playing along. In no specific order, here are 10 things that always lift us up and never let us down:

1. Leslie- Phoenix

Not the town, although I’m sure it’s lovely. I’m talking about the band. I would marry Thomas Mars tomorrow if he would promise to sing to me every morning : ) Although I cannot commit to one all-time favorite band, (I’m very non-committal like that, teehee), they would be “up there”.

2. Donna- Warm, Sunny Days

We’ve been having these again around these parts. I missed them so much during all the cold and snow we had during the winter. I love those sunny days when there isn’t a cloud in the bright blue sky. I always have to roll down the car windows, put on my sunglasses and turn up the music. It’s even better if I’m on a road trip!

3. Leslie-A trip to the salon

Highlights and a good blow-out fix anything, girls. Anything.

4. Donna- iTunes

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a music nerd. I could easily go into serious debt buying music. I can go to iTunes to find one song and hours later, I’ve found new bands I like, old songs that I “MUST have” and songs that I had forgotten about.

5. Leslie- Office Space

It doesn’t matter how many times I see it, how many times I hear people try to quote the lines, I still love that stinkin’ movie.

6. Donna- Pedicures

I love getting pedicures. To me, it’s as relaxing as a massage. When your toes are all pretty and freshly painted, you want to show them off. And that can lead to shoe shopping, which is always a good idea, right?

7. Leslie-Male Musicians

I know, I know… me and every other female in the world. Show me a cute guy…that’s great. Show me a cute guy with a guitar in his hand…his stock just goes through the roof.

8. Donna- The Hangover

Not the “I had too much fun last night” hangover. The Hangover- the movie. I saw this in the theater last summer with a couple friends. Now I own the DVD. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it now, but I still laugh. Plus, Mr. Bradley Cooper is pretty easy on the eyes, which doesn’t hurt either.

9. Leslie-Sephora

Some people go to libraries or record stores to “veg” out. Me? I go to “The Mothership”. My friends joke that I have single-handedly kept this store afloat in this economy, (though I think they are doing just fine without my financial contributions.)

10. Donna- Girls’ Night

It’s always a blast hanging out with those friends that know your crazy stories and were right there with you when they happened. It doesn’t matter if you go out on the town in your high heels and dance all night or stay in and watch Project Runway. As long as you laugh until you cry at least once, it makes you feel great both mentally and physically. Plus, all that laughing makes your abs sore which has to be as effective as a workout, don’t you think? ha.

Yes, we said 10 things, but we just couldn’t leave out one of our faves that could really be enjoyed with any of the other 10.

11. *Bonus- Lemon Drop Martinis

Specifically those from Theo’s in Fayetteville, AR…Best served cold, in a sugar-rimmed glass over gossip on a Saturday night.

Ok, your turn. What always “works” for you? Ready, set, go!

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

Photo credits: Vogue UK via Dustjacket Attic

Adventures of the High Heel Mafia- Part 2

"High heels are pride and privilege, the passkey to decadence."

- Karen Heller, journalist

Welcome back to the second installment of High Heel Mafia. Today’s topic is…(cue the song from The Twilight Zone)…dating.

Just so this post won’t be 400 pages long, we’re going to break this topic up into a couple of installments, with today’s focusing on first date styling tips.

Are you ready? Good. Let’s go.

Whether you’re newly single or have been on the market for a bit, it’s important to always look your best on a first date. Guys vary in what style they prefer on a girl, but there are a few general items that, no matter what type of dude he is, are guaranteed to please.


We polled several of our male friends for this post and here are the top 3 things they said they would most like to see their date wear:


• High Heels
No shock here. Men love a woman in a sky-high pair of kicks. Plus, if you’re petite like moi, they will give you a little height.

• The Perfect Jeans
The ever-versatile, classic denim jean will never go out of style. So go out and find the perfect pair of jeans that make your rear look uber-amazing. You’ll look good and feel confident.

HHM recommends:
Joes Jeans Starlet Slim Boot Cut jean (flattering on all body types)

J Brand 10" Ankle Skinny jean (good for a lean, slender body or petite body)

Gap Long & Lean jean (especially great for pear shapes and curvaceous bodies)

• A Cute Dress

Do your body a favor and throw those horrid babydoll dresses and flouncy maxi dresses in the garbage can. I know they’re comfy, but honey, they will send a man running for the hills.

You are far too hot a commodity to look like the Bea Arthur from the Golden Girls. Look for a dress, preferably cut above the knee that hugs your curves in all the right places. Black, turquoise and royal blue are universally flattering colors. Make sure to keep the cleavage under control and PLEASE, PLEASE wear underwear.

HHM recommends:

Nipped in the Bud dress- $38- Francesca's Collections

Striped Cadet dress-$35- Lulu's

Miranda Halter dress- $34- Lulu's

The Central Park Knit Dress- $19.97- NY and Co.

Now Donna, why don’t you tell us what make-up and hair looks best for a first date…

Well Miss Leslie, here is what I found out from my “research.”

• Make-up

Opinions on make-up are a bit varied. Some men love the very natural minimal make-up look and others like a fully made up face. Either way, as long as your make-up enhances that natural beauty you already have darlings and you don’t look like you’re going to a costume party, he will like it.

• Hair

I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Long tresses seem to be what most guys like. But no matter what hair length or hair color you have, as long as you look put together, a man will notice and appreciate the time and effort you put into your style. Then expect his compliments to follow.

I must pass along some advice that my most trusted male confidant has told me. Just be confident, no matter what you’re wearing. Confidence is a BIG part of the whole package girls. If you feel comfortable and confident about what you’re wearing and how you look, it will show and your date (and other cute boys) will definitely notice! ;-)

Now my lovely ladies, go out there and knock ‘em dead. Or “knock his eyes out” as my great aunt used to say!
....................................................................................................................

Thanks for the hair and make-up expertise, Dee!

Alright chicas, we are out. Enjoy the weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday!

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

Photo credits: the cherry blossom girl , Vogue Italia

Adventures of the High Heel Mafia- Part 1

Ok, diving right in to today’s blog topic…it’s the 1st official edition of the High Heel Mafia. Whoop, whoop! BTW, can a mafia consist of just two people? Because it’s just Donna and I…so…yeah…just curious if we’re legit or not.

Anywhozit, the topic of today is “7 Things Every Woman Should Know How to Do." I’m only 25 and Donna is young too, but combined we’re like, really old. So we’re meshing our life experiences together to share what we think every woman should be able to do.

1. Dress to Fit Your Body Shape

To look your best, you gotta know what you actually look like. You laugh, but SO many women have no clue what shape their bodies really are.

A great way to figure out your shape is to decide where you are widest, (across the hips, the bust, etc.) and where you are narrowest.

Are your hips the widest part of your body? You might be a pear shape. Does your waist curve in or is it square? If your waist is significantly narrower than your hips, you are likely an hourglass. Broad shoulders and bust? Hello, you gorgeous apple.

Check out my post earlier this year about how to dress your body type. You can also check out this really great article from Glamour magazine about dressing “skinny”.

2. The Art of the Quick Escape

There is truly an art to the graceful exit. Whether it be cutting out early from a bad date, leaving early from a dull party or just getting away from the lady in accounting who can’t stop talking about her cats, there is a very specific skill set involved in making a smooth get-away.

So make sure that prior to any event, you have an arsenal of back-up plans and excuses for leaving at the ready. It sounds bad, but you’ll be glad you did.

3. Make One REALLY Good Meal

Whether you’re cooking for your significant other, a prospective significant other, your friends or your family, you should always have one go-to recipe on standby. Trust me from experience, never, EVER, try out a new recipe on a new audience. The repercussions are usually not pretty.

Do you make a mean pot roast? Maybe you’re best at frying chicken. It doesn’t have to be fancy, as long as it tastes good.

My go-to gal for any big meal…Paula Deen! She never requires weird or expensive ingredients and most of her stuff is relatively easy to make. I personally love her Bacon Rubbed Roast Tenderloin. Now that’s a girl who knows her way around the kitchen.

4. Write a Good Thank-You Note

In this day of e-mail, Facebook and texting, the simple hand-written thank-you note is almost extinct. But there is nothing that puts a smile on my face quicker than to receive a heartfelt card or letter.

The first step is to buy some really amazing stationary. I love Delphine for their custom-made cards and stationary.

Now it’s time to get to writing…

Use a good quality pen and, if you’re super OCD like me, lightly trace a few straight lines on the card with a pencil so your writing is level. You don’t want your recipient to think you’ve been drinking one too many mint juleps : )

Lastly, speak from the heart and address your recipient by name. If they’ve sent you a gift, remember to call it out specifically and maybe include a line about what you intend to use it for. Writing thank-you notes. It’s the classy thing to do.

Alright, that’s my schpeel. Now I’m going to turn it over to Donna. Donna, what have you got for us?

Thanks Leslie. (Why do I feel like I’m doing a newscast, haha?)There are a few precious things in life that I’ve learned how to do that I feel EVERY woman should know how to do. These things have made my life easier and better. And hopefully they will yours, too.

5. Buy the Right Size Bra

Ok, I bring this one up because I just read an article about how 80% of women wear the wrong size bra. I’ll confess. Until a few years ago, I was one of the 80%.

So many stores now have “fit specialists” or special events to help you find your “true size”, (and that size may surprise you). It could take a while to find a brand or style you like and works for you, but it’s worth the time and money. AND having someone to help you out makes the process a lot easier and less frustrating!

Wearing the right size bra improves your posture, which makes you look taller and thinner. Hey, anything that can do that is worth it right?

6. Trust Your Instincts

Have you ever met someone for the first time and there is just something about them… something that’s not quite right… something maybe even a little creepy.

Maybe you get that funny feeling walking back to your car in that parking lot at night. We’ve all had instances where we’ve felt a certain way and we just can’t explain why.

It’s important to recognize and act on “your gut” sometimes rather than acting on logic, (which is what we’re taught to believe.) Just talk to any behavioral expert or psychologist and they’ll tell you, having strong feelings of intuition about a person or situation can speak louder than any words.

Think about the times you should have “gone with your first instinct” or that time you though, “I always had a feeling about that.” Call it what you want; instinct, going with your gut or ESP. It can save your life.

Ladies, if your first instinct is that something isn’t quite right or a person shouldn’t be trusted, don’t discount that feeling.

7. Simple Car Maintenance

Ok, I’m not saying you need to learn how to change the oil in your car or rotate the tires, although my Southern dad would be proud if I was! I’m talking about the quick little “checks” like checking the oil and the tire pressure. Of course, when you take your car in for regular maintenance, they check all of these things for you, but it always makes me feel a little better ,(and a bit tough and manly, haha), if I check those things out before a road trip.

Ask your dad, brother, significant other or male co-worker who knows a thing or two about cars to give you a quick lesson.

By just taking a few minutes to check the oil, tire pressure and gauges, you could save yourself a lot of time, money and heartache. Believe me! If my cousin and I would have done that in college, we wouldn’t have been stranded on the wrong side of town at 3 a.m…but that’s another story. All I can say is thank goodness for guy friends who answered their phones.

Back to you, Leslie, (in my best Katie Couric voice.)

Haha, thanks Donna! Ok, we’ll I hope ya’ll have enjoyed reading this as much as we’ve enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned for next Friday’s edition in which we’ll discuss…(cue that weird sound from the opening of Law and Order)…dating. How to play the field gracefully and keep your dignity intact.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits- Dustjacket Attic, Fashion Toast

I'd Like to Introduce...

...my very first Guest Contributor! Her name is Donna, (or Deeluv or Miss D or Dee), but I usually just refer to her as my sister, haha. No, we're not blood-related, but she is one of my besties in Northwest Arkansas and possibly the coolest, most laid-back chick you'll ever meet. And she can bake like no other. Seriously.

I met Donna when I first started my job 2 years ago. She worked in the space across from me and we quickly bonded over our love of music, shoes and bad reality TV shows, (hello Rock of Love, My Antonio and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.)

Together, we will be writing a column for the next few weeks called, "Adventures of the High Heel Mafia." One of Dee's guy friends started calling us "High Heel Mafia" because we always wear stilettos when we go out, no matter the weather conditions or distance of walking we have to do. We'll be sharing our funny stories from our many adventures on the town (like meeting and hanging out with a famous band!!), as well as advice and lessons we've learned as single girls.

Without any further adieu, Donna, please introduce yourself to all the Blonde Ambitioners out there:

Hello all! This is my first blog post ever, so I’m a bit nervous but very excited! I’ll start off by telling you a little bit about myself. My name is Donna but I’m known as Don and Dee by my family and close friends. I was born and raised in a small town in Southwest Arkansas so you may hear a “ya’ll,” “bless his/her heart” or other Southern sayings from time to time. I come from a small family, so my friends are very near and dear to me. I happily admit that I’m a music and pop culture nerd and have been for as long as I can remember. I love to bake but I’m not fond of the part where I have to clean up the mess. And yes, there is always a mess! I’m a big fan of flip flop weather, Cajun food, road trips, palm trees, vintage jewelry and of course, lemon drop martinis!

I hope you'll join us for this weekly segment. Next week, the High Heel Mafia will cover "10 Things Every Woman Should Know How to Do," so stay tuned.

Have a fab-tab-u-lous weekend, girls. Go shopping, sing loudly in your car, eat greasy food or kiss boys : ) Whatever floats your boat, do it.

Alright, I'm off to go to Sephora with my pal Eunie.

Be blessed, lovelies-

XOXO

Leslie

Photo credits- Coco Kelley, Sea of Shoes