Short 'n Sweet

Malene Birger Acacin Sequin V-Neck Tunic Dress via Planet Blue

In case you live under a rock or don't own a calendar, let me remind you...

Today is Friday!

If you want to do a happy dance, don't hold back. Just don't challenge me to a dance-off because I'll probably embarrass you. My moves are sah-weet.

Let's get this shindig started, shall we?

1) In addition to blogging here, (I love to state the obvious), I'm also guest blogging over at Sarah's place, The Strength of Faith, today. She's one of my greatest bloggy friends and was kind enough to ask for my pearls of wisdom on dressing for church! See me here, see me there...you never know where I might pop up next. I'm like Where's Waldo?, only blonde, female and not as good at pulling off horizontal stripes.

2) Let's all give a big, Blonde Ambition welcome to our newest sponsor, Maude Boutique! It's no secret to y'all that this is my favorite local store and has been since I moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2008. Maude offers the trendiest apparel and accessories for super affordable prices, perfect for every fashionista's budget.

My favorite thing about Maude Boutique?  They only have a maximum of 6 pieces per item so you won't have the same dress as every other girl in town. Check and mark.

Stop by and see them on College Ave. in Fayetteville or visit their FB page or website to see the latest merchandise, learn about sales and stay in touch with their fabulous sales associates. Oh, and they're also on Foursquare, so be sure to check in when you stop by!

3) So the title of today's blog article..."Short-n-Sweet". It's probably apparent by now that it wasn't in reference to the length of this post. Newp. I was talking about the aesthetic appeal of the garment known as "party dress".

Girls, it's about that time of year when you'll need at least a couple of reliable options in your closet for last-minute get togethers and holiday soirees.

Dresses from Maude Boutique

You don't have to spend a small fortune, but you do need to look for frocks that fit you perfectly (this may require tailoring) to compliment your best assets.

This year, look for fun details like sequins, lace, fringe, cut-outs, ruching and beading to add some extra zest to the standard LBD. Or LR(ed)D. Or LW(hite)D. You get the picture.

Mink Pink All Tomorrow Parties Dress via Planet Blue

via Maude Boutique

Also, forget long, ground-grazing gowns. It's all about the mini dress this season.

Since the weather is typically cooler from November-February, (unless you live in AR where it's still in the 70s), you can add a cute pair of lace tights or leggings underneath your dress for added warmth and visual interest.

Looking for a way to show some skin without freezing to death? Try a dress with sheer fabric. It's sexy and offers more coverage than you might think.

Left to right: Dress from Maude Boutique, A Little Bit Spesh Dress from Planet Blue

A cropped leather jacket looks ten kinds of adorable when layered atop a sweet dress. This is also a good way to balance out a frilly look and give it some edge.

via Planet Blue

Finally, don't discount skirts during the cooler months either. A cute skirt and coordinating top can be just as dressy and sometimes even more functional than a dress for holiday parties. 

via Planet Blue

I could ramble on and on about how much I heart dressing up during the holidays....but I won't. Instead, I'll leave you with this short and sweet quote from one of my favorite designers, the brilliant John Galliano:

"Women are women, and hurray for that."

Be blessed, lovelies-

Your Weekly Dose of Random

via Curly Girl Design

All of you that have been Blonde Ambitioners for a while know that I usually dedicate one post a week to my second favorite topic: Randomness. (My first favorite topic? I'll give you one guess...)

I realize the whole world isn't as enraptured with clothing/accessories/Sam Edelman platforms as I, and since this is an equal opportunity blog, I want offer a little somethin'-somethin' on here for peeps of all sizes, shapes and topic preferences.

Enter, randomness.

So now that I've explained the reccuring theme of "rando", let's get to it:

(Sidenote: I also enjoy bullet points. If I could bullet point things when I talk, like using air quotes, I totally would.)

• Curly Girl Design has officially made my week. I ordered a box of Christmas cards ("Funny Thing About Joy box for $13.50) yesterday and cannot wait to send them out! I also have one of the Curly Girl paintings in my bedroom and want to get a couple more soon. I'd love to have a whole wall dedicated to this preciousness in my apartment. If you haven't met the brilliance known as Curly Girl, I suggest y'all get acquainted. See, aren't they adorable?

My card!

This one made me smile : )

I want this for my wall!

• I wore a sequined tank underneath a black 3/4 sleeve blazer (and dark skinnies) yesterday and when I pulled up at the Chick-Fil-A drive thru window to get my lunch, the cashier asked me if I was "going to a party?" (Unless you call a 1:00 conference call about FDIC insurance regulations a party, then no, I was not.) The rest of the day was a whirlwind of emotions: "Didn't she know that sequins are totally daytime appropriate if you pair it with casual pieces like jeans, a plain blazer and minimal jewelry?!", "Was my office-appropriate smoky eye a bad choice with such a bold textile?", "Have I let down my blog readers, style clients and, most importantly, Tim Gunn?"

• Pretty sure I'm not the only one who may or may not have made a questionable wardrobe choice yesterday though. One of the gals in accounts payable was sporting a lovely calf-length denim skirt (it's as sexy as it sounds) complete with Ugg boots and a pink velour zip up hoodie. (If you aren't at all bothered by that, click here. I'd love to talk.)

• T-minus one week from today, my boyfriend and I will be Nashville bound for the NeedtoBreathe show at the Ryman! I'm not sure if I'm more excited about the concert or having two days off work.

• Barney Stinson, will you please be my best friend forever? I love me some NPH and I've been enjoying the heck out of some How I Met Your Mother re-runs at 6:30 a.m. this week while I'm getting ready for work. I had no idea they came on this early, but it is quite possibly the most perfect way to start your day. And this quote is probably one of my all-time favs. (Sidenote: Coincidentally, I'm not even remotely sad at the moment, but if I ever get that way, I'll be sure to refer to quote below.)

• Are y'all familiar with the hilarity and poignance known as Christian writer Jon Acuff? I dearly adore this man's writing and his post yesterday was just lovely. Check it out if you feel so moved.

Alrighty. I'm off to make this Thursday a remarkable one. True story.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Trend Watch Wednesday: Holly Stalder

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress."

-Coco Chanel

I recently stumbled upon the website of designer Holly Stalder and, to say the least, was floored. Stalder's creations are the exact result of what happens when femininity, romance, and modernity collide and melt together in one, perfect collection.

Stalder, who apparently has been producing gorgeous custom dresses and accessories for about ten years in the Portland area, balances an effortless blend of contemporary and vintage styles, and her girly-chic bridal pieces have become a favorite among sophisticated brides-to-be in her hometown and beyond.

I'm no Anna Wintour, but I do know a pretty dress when I see it. Ladies, behold, a pretty dress:

One of the things that struck me the most about Stalder's collection was her use of antique fabric. Every piece has a very "worn-in" look, making each garment truly one of a kind.

You can check out Holly's work on her website and purchase something for yourself through her shop on Etsy.

*I should also note, I wasn't paid to write this...just wanted to spread the word about this brilliant independent designer.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Surviving the Holidays: {DIY Placecard Holders!}

via TomKat Studio

I wanted oh so badly to come up with a cute, witty little name for this post other than "DIY Placecard Holders!" because, let's face it, that sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Unless of course you really enjoy watching paint dry, in which case the above title probably knocked you clean out of your chair.

I'm going to go ahead and acknowledge the elephant on the blog; the elephant being the fact that probably none of us are actually going to spend our precious time making little doo-dads to denote seating arrangements around the table at Thanksgiving. If you're like my family, your Thanksgiving dinner is probably served buffet style and peppered with football broadcasts blaring in the background. And we wouldn't have it any other way thankyoukindly.

But if you are the minority, a budding Martha Stewart, (which I plan to be in my next life), you might want to take a look-see at the fantabulous *DIY Placecard Holders! below:

*("!" was added for dramatic effect)

Branch-y/Leaf-y Holder

via Centsational Girl

This looks simple enough, right? Go break off a couple of twigs from your nearest non-toxic tree and cut out a little paper leaf thing, writing the guest's name on the leaf portion in pretty writing. Adhere to the top of the branch and voila! You've got yourself one smashing placecard holder.

Ooooh Ahhhh Holder

via Centsational Girl

Now THIS looks like an easy DIY. Like I could maybe actually do this myself. With the assistance of supplies from Michael's or HobLob. Buy some glass candle holders and pretty candles, tie a ribbon around the bottom of the globe portion of the candle holder and affix a nametag to the ribbon. Oh and light the candle so it looks fancy.

Wine Bottle Holder

via Centsational Girl

I love this, but it would be a trainwreck if I tried to tell you how to do it. Instead, go here and read all about it from someone much more creative than I.

Crayon Holder

via Centsational Girl

Cute, huh? Refer to instructions for Wine Bottle Holder.

Free Printables Holder

via TomKat Studio

If you are pressed for time or aren't blessed with the patience of Job, feel free to visit the fabulousness known as TomKat Studio for some free printables. Buy yourself some produce and swanky ribbon and afix the printed label to it. Put it on a nice(r) plate and wait for your guests to say things like, "Well isn't that just sweet?" (Sidenote: Southerners say things are "sweet" alot. This is another way of saying "Girl, you've got way too much time on your hands.")

And there you have it. DIY Placecard Holders! that will knock their Jimmy Choos off.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Wishlist-Worthy Bags

Jessica Simpson Austin Hobo, $88; Jessica Simpson Ruffle Stuff Hobo, $78; Jessica Simpson Adour Lace Crossbody Bag, $78

Good morning, beauties and happy Monday! Hope y'all had a great weekend and enjoyed that extra hour of sleep yesterday...I know I did!

First, of all:

Wooooo Pig Soooie! Our Hog boys stomped South Carolina on Saturday 41-20! (Sorry South Carolina readers, I love y'all but you know how it is in the SEC....hope we can still be friends, ha!) Lord-willing we can do the same next week when we take on UTEP here on our home turf!

I took some time on Saturday afternoon to work on a portfolio for one of my E-Style clients and, while finishing her accessories section, noticed TONS of precious new handbags online that I just HAD to share with you peeps.

I will definitely be adding one (or five) of these presh purses to my list for Santa this year...




Gianni Bini Alissa clutch, $79

 

JJ Winters Metallic Print clutch, $85

Jessica Simpson Ruffle Me Tote, $98

Rachel Bilson carries her Chloe bag! You can get an exact replica from Shop Suey Boutique, featured below!

Shannon Satchel, $68; Rachel Marie Satchel, $58 (inspired by the Chloe bag!)

Tara Double Handle with Chain Strap Decor, $94; Uri Faux Fur Hobo with Tassels, $83

Yvonne Croco Ruffle Clutch, $54

Any of these you'd like to see under your tree on Christmas morning?

P.S.- Don't forget to enter the Give Yourself a Hand{bag} Giveaway to get your own fabulous arm candy to carry this holiday season!