Savoir-Faire Moment - {Princess Skirt}

Shirt and skirt in post were generously gifted by Savoir-Faire.

Immediately when I saw this gorgeous tulle skirt displayed at Savoir-Faire, I knew what I wanted to see it in pics for January's inaugural SF post. The inspiration? My four-year-old niece Ava, a fellow poofy skirt lover and princess at heart. At Christmas, we were having a conversation while she helped me choose my outfit for the day. {She loves going through my closet or suitcase when they come to our house or we visit them in Fort Smith.} Ava said, "I fink you should dress wike a pincess today." All I had in my bag that day were a couple of sweaters and pair of jeans, but I told her that I would find a 'pincess' skirt and wear it on the blog for her. I sat out in late December to find an outfit for January that she would deem fitting for royalty. 

And I did.

The volume, the tulle, the feeling of being surrounded by bookoos of fabric in a creamy shade of ivory. This was a "pincess" skirt if I'd ever seen one.

I know this particular look isn't something many of us would or even could wear very often, but once in a while, a girl needs a good dress-up moment. Something that inspires us and reminds us that twirling around in five layers of fancy tulle is fun. This skirt does that for me. 

The shirt? Flannel. I wanted something to balance out the frilly nature of the skirt, and honestly, I couldn't think of anything more polar opposite of girly tulle than plaid flannel. (But chic plaid flannel! And with golden studs!)

I paired it all with chunky gold jewelry and simple, black peep-toes to keep the focus on the beauty of the garments - not the accessories.

If you're feeling crazy and want to show a little tummy, that's great too. I did, but you can also tuck the skirt in completely and add a sash, for a bit more conservative look.

This lovely heart-shaped necklace was a Christmas gift from sweet Tess and, coincidentally, it paired perfectly with this outfit. It also embodies every one of my feelings about Savoir-Faire.

Shirt: Savoir-Faire // Skirt: Savoir-Faire // Shoes: (old) Jessica Simpson via Dillard's // Bracelets: GroopDealz // Necklace: Savoir-Faire // Earrings: Target 

Photos by Keely Yount

Take style risks, girls. If there's one thing I know, it's that life is too short NOT to buy that amazing skirt in the store window. You'll be glad you dared to try it - pinky swear. 

Go see Tess and all the stunning girls of Savoir-Faire and tell 'em Leslie sent ya! Oh, and don't forget to hashtag all of your outfit Instagram pics with #SFStylist if you need some style advice from SF. They'll always comment back with suggestions on how to  make any look work for you!

Alright you royal maidens, enjoy your Monday.

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

• I confess that I really wish I knew how to turn off Facebook publicizing my every move. If I look at a website, inquire about a size from a boutique, listen to a dadgum song on Spotify or blow my nose – Facebook tells the world. 

• I confess that I am cheap. Stephen and I have had this goal of learning Italian for approximately the entire three years we’ve been together. We are thisclose to buying Rosetta Stone, but it costs more than my car payment. Significantly more. So we recently did a bootleg version of it online. And there’s a reason it was a bootleg version. 

So far, we’ve learned “La bambina beve”: The baby drinks; and “La bambina mangia”: The baby eats. I have a feeling these phrases won’t get us very far in Italy. But we’ll be in luck if we need to identify an infant eating pasta.

Buy the real Rosetta Stone. Lesson learned.

• I confess that I’ve been sucked into a vortex known as Rosecliff. I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but it’s time – I have an addiction. Rosecliff is this really nerdy game that involves searching for random objects within various “rooms” that look like some of the houses on Hoarders. It’s probably a super ancient game that my belated-adapter self is just now discovering. I don’t care. 

• Am I the only one who can’t resist clicking the recommended YouTube videos or iTunes songs? Like, when you go on iTunes to purchase one specific song and then it gives you the ‘ole “You might also like (insert name here)”. Why yes, iTunes. I believe I might. Gets me every time. 

• The little mom ‘n pop pharmacy that I use sends me the sweetest handwritten thank-you note every time I have a prescription filled. This makes my heart so full of happiness for the small businesses that still do the little things for their customers. They are my heroes.

  Confess to me, bunnies!

Happenings

Lots going on around here lately, so I thought we'd just talk randomness today. Sound good?

1. First off, MANY thank yous to Aubrey Kinch for working her magic on this blog with the new design. She took all of my crazy ideas and turned them into a beautiful, clean finished product. Her turnaround time was the quickest I've ever seen out of a designer and she was beyond professional. And her pricing? Affordable. {Read: You won't have to take out a small loan to get yourself a shiny new blog look.}

If you're in the market for an updated design for your website or blog, do yourself a favor and contact sweet Aubrey.

2. My girls at Maude are having a killer contest right now - $500 to spend in their store! Go here to read the instructions for the New Year - New You giveaway and be sure to enter before midnight tonight. All it involves is adding a new board to your Pinterest account and pinning a couple adorable outfits from their site. Easy enough, right? Get on it, bunnies.

3. From my surgery on Friday until I went back to work yesterday, I went without make-up. My face felt amazing being so bare and clean for five days. Although I love make-up as much as the next girl, it felt nice to let my skin breathe.

4. Any of you NWA girls going to Paint the Town Red on January 26th? Stephen and I are going, which I'm really excited about! I was thrilled to donate a 2 hour Personal Styling Session, which will be auctioned off at the event! Best of all, it benefits the American Heart Association, a cause which is very near and dear to me, as y'all know. Stay tuned for more details in a post next week...I'd love to see y'all there, too!

5. I was SO elated to find all of you on Instagram yesterday! I love being able to connect to all of you outside of just the blog, so be sure to shout out your Insta handle and I'll be sure to follow ya.

6. Confessional Friday RETURNS tomorrow. Be here to link up for all the venting and confessing. It's a grand 'ole time.

7. Anyone have a good soup recipe? I love making a big pot of soup for a budget-friendly meal during the cooler months. I'm thinking of having a soup recipe link-up, where we'll all share our fave recipes. Would y'all like that or want to participate?

8. I have had SO many of you girls ask about the pants featured in the side banner for The Rage. I could tell you how perfect these will be for spring, or how they could be dressed up or down, but I'll just let you figure that out for yourself. When you buy them. Here. 

Be blessed, lovelies-

Leather-ette {Outfit Pics}

Are y'all loving this new look? (Not my outfit - the blog.) Lots more on this new design later, but a HUGE thanks to Aubrey Kinch for her genius and talent. She took this blog, worked her magic and created something that (I feel) looks so chic and clean. Full post on this wonder woman coming tomorrow!

However, on to leather! (Or "leatha" if you want to pretend you're part of the cast of Goodfellas.) This has been the winter of leather, (nay, the season of pleather), at least for this chick. From leggings and jackets, to ice skater-style skirts, faux leather has been calling my name. (And rather loudly, it seems. I have accumulated a stupid amount of leather/pleather items this fall. Just ask my bank account.)

One of said faux leather items was the nifty ice skater-style skirt, purchased at Maude Boutique for a mere $30, or so.

I paired it with light denim on top, just to add some softness to an otherwise harsh look. I also added this gorgeous acrylic geo necklace, also purchased at Maude recently. I thought it polished off the top half of the ensemble nicely.

Top: J.Jill (2011) // Skirt: Maude Boutique // Earrings: Target // Tights: Express // Necklace: Maude Boutique // Shoes: Old Navy
Photo Credit: Keely Yount

I pulled on some black tights, a pair of grey booties from Old Navy and added the usual wrist accoutrements, collected over the season from various boutiques. (Speaking of wrist-wear, is anyone else tired of the term "arm party"? Just me?)

Remember that there are no rules when it comes to leather. Just be confident. You can spend a bazillion dollars on the hottest cow hide money can buy, but if you don't have the stones to really wear it...well, it's a wash. Go confidently in the direction of your fashion dreams (!!) (Sage advice. It's what you get around here.)

And, if you're feeling frisky, wear a red lip. Nothing says, "I am woman", quite like a rouge lip. Your man's knees will buckle  ; )

Okay, bunnies - I'm off.

Be blessed, lovelies-

iPhone Picture Purge: {Holiday!...Celebrate!}

This post title makes me want to sing the song below by my friend Madge...

Production quality of music videos has sure come a long way, friends.

I'm kind of proud of my updo I managed to create for a photoshoot yesterday! It involved a lot of twisting and pinning and poofing, but I think the end result wasn't too shabby. I'd do a tutorial, but I probably couldn't pull it off again - ha!

Ruby and I spent New Year's Eve (Monday) relaxing in cozy attire: beanie, chambray and luxe scarf.  I'm determined to make beanies cool again : )
shirt: Hazel's Haven // scarf: Savoir-Faire // beanie: Target (purchase here.)

We threw a little dinner party for some friends last Saturday evening. There's a thing about Southern women: you'll never leave one of our dinners empty-handed. Really. You'll always leave with food, a cookbook, a new recipe or a cute favor. That's just how we roll.

I found the above nifty little wine bags at an antique store, popped a bottle of vino in them and gave them to our guests as party favors. Win-win-win.

Christopher Elbow chocolates (which are really like tiny works of edible art) that a very generous service provider sent to our office the week before Christmas. My co-workers and I made ourselves practically sick that day, eating all of that indulgent chocolate. It was gluttony at it's finest.

Wore these earrings for a few outfit photos yesterday. Um, they came from Target (purchase here.) For $13 (!!)
Presh and cheap. Yes, cheap. (We say "cheap" on this blog. Some things just are.)

New Year's Eve was our proposal anniversary. Took this little pic for Instagram on Monday night to commemorate a holiday that forever will be one of the most special, at least in our book. I get teary just re-living the memory of our engagement in 2010. Gaw, y'all - it's good stuff, life.

Ruby did a lot of this over her Christmas/New Year's holiday. And yes, our dog daughter thinks she is a person. (And we don't tell her otherwise.)

One of my Christmas gifts from the husband. They're dramatic and slightly over the top. Just like me.
Frankly, I love them.

Still having withdrawals from the days we spent at my parents' farm over the week of Christmas. I love a bustling city, but if I had to choose, I'd choose the country every time. My family has been there for four generations...I never want to be too far from this place.

It was a grand ole time, friends. And I can't wait to do it all again next year. 

Be blessed, lovelies-

New Year's "Intentions"

Each year, I compile a list of New Year's "intentions": things that I intend to do or achieve, but without the rigidity of the dreaded "resolution". It's basically a resolution list for folks with commitment issues.

You can view my previous "intention" lists here and here. (Apparently, I had no goals to speak of in 2010. I suppose this is because I was busy getting engaged and whatnot!)

For 2013, here are a few things I intend to do, plan, begin, achieve, (insert verb here), etc.

1. I'd like to continue to broaden my circle of friends. This one was on my list last year and I feel like I definitely met that goal. You can never have too many shoes or too many friends. It's just not possible. With my new job I took in March 2012, I made a whole set of new friends. I've also become real life friends with several amazing women I've met through the blogosphere. I've rekindled friendships with girls I knew growing up and it's exciting to see how our lives have evolved! Friends, new and old, enrich our lives and make everything, well, better.

2. Continue to cultivate my writing career. I'd like to continue growing myself as a professional writer, both in my day job as a writer at a PR firm, and also as a freelancer. I've written for quite a few local magazines in the past year or so, but I hope to take things "national" this year. Wish me luck!

3. Drink less coffee. Kidding. Kidding. For the good of all mankind, I will continue drinking copious amounts of caffeine. Without it, I'm like a grizzly bear with an insane case of PMS. Trust me.

4. Host more dinner parties. Lately, I've rediscovered my love for throwing a good fete. I'm a strange bird, but I LOVE the time that goes into perfecting decorations, party favors, music, atmosphere, etc. And, I don't even mind the clean-up process. I get complete satisfaction out throwing together a crazy guest list and seeing all the different personalities interact with one another. Don't call me Martha just yet, though.

5. Learn to light our gas fireplace. Don't y'all dare laugh. This is serious business and I'm terrified of lighting the pilot. Okay.........you can laugh now.

6. Volunteer at our local animal shelter. Recently, my co-workers and I participated in a day of volunteering at various non-profits across NWA. Our team was designated for the Fayetteville Animal Services Shelter. That day, our company paid for the adoptions of EVERY animal in the shelter. It was so amazing to know that we saved the lives of over 30 pets that day. I have such a passion for our four-legged friends and hope to spend many more days at the animal shelter this year.

7. Really participate and enjoy NWA Fashion Week. Last year, I had a pretty major surgery that kept me out of commission for most of FW, save for the article that Citiscapes very graciously allowed me to write! I was able to catch only a couple shows, but this year...oh, it's on! I've already recruited a dear friend to tag along with me for the week. And to all the boutiques out there: I'm a very affordable runway model ; ) Call me, maybe? Ha!

Okay, this is the part where you tell me what you "intend" to do in 2013. Ready...set...go!

P.S.- Stay safe tonight, y'all. Live it up, but do it wisely and safely : ) That's my southern momma advice for the day.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

 

Bet y'all thought I had left blogging, huh? Nope, I was just off celebrating the yuletide festivities with the family in central Arkansas. Better late(ish) than never, right ladies? Gaw. This was supposed to be up at 8:00 a.m. sharp this morning, but the bed felt so good that I slept right through my alarm.

I'm off work. So, I suppose that's alright. And really, I'm not sorry.

Anywhoodle, here are some confessions from our Christmas week:

1) Apparently, I'm a gadget dork at heart. I got an iPad for Christmas from my parents! Actually, they got one for me, Stephen and my brother Matthew. And let me tell you, I am addicted already. It's one of the best techy Christmas gifts I've ever received.

2) I really did feel like a kid at Christmas this year. My parents got a TON of snow on Christmas Day, which was just amazing. It had been 86 years since Arkansas had a white Christmas. There was something magical about it that just doesn't happen most years.

3) I wish I still believed in Santa : ( Am I the only one that misses that old man with the white beard? Don't get me wrong, we had a great Christmas. There's just a special component missing and I can't help but think it might be 'ol Saint Nick.

4) I was deflated to learn that Zero Dark Thirty doesn't come to Arkansas until Jan. 11. Apparently it opened in limited release on Dec. 19, but AR is never in the "limited release" territory.

5) I am just sick over this fiscal cliff mess. No matter what side of the political fence you're on, I think we can all agree that this is scary business.

What's on your mind today?



Be blessed, lovelies-

Pause.

This weekend, the beau and I are visiting his folks in Fort Smith. We've eaten far too much, slept in a little too late and stayed up laughing way too late into the night. Yesterday, I went shopping with my mom-in-law and spent a little too much money on things that were a little too unnecessary. We've taken a few too many ridiculous photos with the iPhone and last night, enjoyed a treat from Sonic that had 530 too many calories.

I am too blessed.

Last night, as I laid in bed listening to the sounds of Stephen breathing heavily in a deep sleep (probably brought on by too much dessert and a bit too much Knob Creek), I thought to myself, "Can I please hit 'pause'?"

Life needs a 'pause' button. A 'pause' button for moments so perfect, so ideal that you want to cover them in bubble wrap and lock them away in a vault.

Recent events continue to remind me that time is ever-fleeting. We blink and things change.

This Christmas, find your 'pause' button. Whether that be in the form of a glass of 10 year-old cabernet, an extra slice of cheesecake or a frivolous purchase.

Dance like a fool. Get the giggles during church. Order pizza at midnight.

Soak in in friends. These are days meant for remembering.

Pause.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Love You

Photo by Keely Yount

Hi, girls! I wanted to take today to share a very special guest post, which I had the opportunity to write for Dahlia Lynn. Dahlia Lynn is the blog written by the amazing Jessica, and it's also the name of the super-coveted jewelry line that she also designs.

Jessica is doing an incredible guest post series on her blog called "Love You", a segment in which bloggers tell what they love most about themselves. I think that as women, we have a much easier time giving out compliments to each other, but have a really hard time acknowledging our own attributes. I adore Jessica's brilliant concept for this series, centered around self-love and acceptance.

Check out my post for Dahlia Lynn and be sure to follow her spectacular blog and jewelry creations!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Savoir-Faire Moment: {Glitterati}

All photos by photographer Keely Yount. Jacket, skirt and tank featured below were generously gifted by Savoir-Faire.

I wanted to commemorate the 2012 Savoir-Faire segment with the SF Moment of all moments…sparkles (!!) As a prologue, I have to give lovely Tess all the glory on styling this ensemble. I asked for her keen style eye and she delivered, as she does each day in her much-coveted boutique.

 

I’m typically really subtle with sparkles and glitter (more of a leather, tweed or flannel/plaid gal), but when I saw this opulent sequined jacket and gave it a test run in the dressing room…well…I knew I’d leave the store with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The peplum skirt (which looks out-of-this-world good on sweet Ashley on the SF homepage) was a perfect companion for the jacket. I kidd you not, ladies – this skirt is unbelievably comfy. Think you couldn’t move in a teeny little peplum? Think again. Not sure of the fabric blend…we’ll just call it awesome. This skirt is made of awesome.

Shoes from Forever 21

Bracelets via GroopDealz

Another portion of the outfit that I love, is this delicate tank from SF. It has some really intricate geometric piecing along the top, which give it a bit more "oomph" than a typical silk tank.



Necklace via Target.com

Don’t forget to scoop up your New Year’s Eve attire from Savoir, and if you’re unsure of what to wear or how to put it together…

Savoir-Faire Styling!

For Customers Outside of Northwest Arkansas

Use the hashtag #SFStylist on Instagram. Tess and her fabulous girls will reply back to you with recommendations based on what you need.

For Customers In NWA

Stop in the store and let any of the SF staff help get you fixed up. All the girls are equally stylish and have impeccable taste!

So what have we learned here today? Let's re-cap:

• If you need something sparkly for your NYE (and you know you do), Savoir-Faire has it.

• If you need something but have NO CLUE what to buy, let Savoir-Faire #SFStylist help you out.

• Savoir-Faire has a website (a super cute one, at that.) Ergo, there's no excuse not to shop.

Here's to many more Savoir-Faire moments in 2013...

P.S. A HUGE thank you to the oh-so-talented Keely Yount for working her magic behind the camera. Cannot wait to work with you again, miss!

Be blessed, lovelies-

*All photos posted here are property of Leslie Sisti, A Blonde Ambition blog and photographer Keely Yount and may not be re-used or re-published without express written consent. Photos and content are protected under a Creative Commons License, Copyright 2012.

Bright Lights and Barbara Walters

Life has been moving so rapidly this week, that I’ve hardly had a chance to just talk with y’all. I love dedicating a day each week where we can just chat about random things, which is exactly what we’re doing on this chilly morning. 

• You may remember last year when I talked about our neighbors and their Christmas light display. This year, they’ve done it again and it’s bigger than ever. Although lovely, it is BRIGHT.  And they enjoy keeping it on throughout the entire night. From sundown to sunrise, their lights are a’going. It's only annoying at 3 a.m. when we're trying to sleep, but other than that, we love them : ) It reminds me of this episode of Seinfeld.

Kenny Rogers Roasters, anyone? 

• I’m on Day 6 of Stephen’s “12 Days of Christmas” and, so far, it’s been fun. Save for a couple glitches here and there, it’s been an easy project. It makes me giggle to see a grown man get excited for reading his clues and finding his day’s gift. I highly suggest it for anyone in your life, be it a spouse, significant other, friend or family member. 

• I cannot believe that Honey Boo Boo wound up on Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People list this year. That list will never be relevant again. 

• I’m having photos with the fabulous Keely Yount today for a couple of upcoming outfit posts. Finally, you ladies won’t have to look at my terribly decorated doorstep or random Port-a-Pottys again. I know you’re absolutely deflated by that. 

• Have y’all met Hazel’s Haven yet? I discovered them last week and fell in love. If you live in Fort Smith, you should check it out! I don’t, but I can still peruse their styles via Facebook. Get on it, fashion mavens.

What's going on in your world today? Anything random you'd like to shout out? Now's the time! Let's chat.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

1. I've switched from coffee to black tea as my caffeinated beverage of the morning this week. The verdict? Coffee wins. Better buzz= faster sifting through inbox.

Ok, wait. That was a really lame way to start off a Confessional Friday post. Let's try this again, shall we? And with more feeling?

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

Confessional Friday...Take Two. (Clap the black movie box-thingy)

1. I tried the Naked Palette by Urban Decay and didn't love it. I know, only person on the planet not loving this shadow, right here.

I actually got it for my birthday in December and never used it. It's has far too many options for moi. I'm easily overwhelmed and work better with a duo or trio shadow. So I returned it and got this:

Smashbox Step by Step Contour Kit

Three shades. Problem solved.

2. I've done so much spring shopping lately, it should be a sin. Well folks, I've sinned again.

Zig Zag Shift Dress

This little number was re-stocked at Sosie, so I bought it last night. Can't wait to pair it with a cute skinny belt and some bright shoes.

3. I think the Zig Zag dress calls for some bright earrings like these by Kendra Scott, perhaps? I'm not sure how this is a 'confession' but I just wanted you all to know I'm really putting a lot of thought into accessorizing these days.

4. Stephen and I will be modeling as a couple in Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week. (Yes, you are completely allowed to laugh.) We are certainly no David & Victoria Beckham, but we are pleased as punch that Mason's thought to include us in their show. Swing by on March 10th @ 10:00 p.m. and catch us in all our catwalking glory.

Buy your tickets here for this fun week of fashion that supports LOCAL stores, like Mason's, Maude Boutique and Savoir-Faire!


5. I feel like I'm tooting my own horn saying this (and we all know no one likes a horn-tooter), but I recently wrote an article about NWA Fashion Week, which is in the February 2012 issue of Citiscapes. Pick up a copy if you live in Northwest Arkansas, on stands now!

Okay girls, what'cha got for me? Let's hear those confessions!

Be blessed, lovelies-