My Favorite Fall Accessory

Some of you might say, “Elizabeth, I know your favorite fall accessory is definitely a scarf.” And you’d be making a pretty valid point, but fall in the south is still pretty warm, and the accessory I always pull out first will not make you hot. Continue reading “My Favorite Fall Accessory”

Oscars 2018 Fashion Roundup

OSCARS 2018 FASHION ROUNDUP

I know a lot of you are not fans of the awards shows since people in Hollywood are quite vocal about their opinions on everything. But I’ve never let my political views come in between me and the Oscars. It’s my super bowl. I pregame with red carpet coverage, and I used to finish it up with Fashion Police the Monday after, but they have since canceled that show. Now, thanks to Instagram, I’m able to get a rundown on everyone’s favorite dress.

First thing’s first… Kobe won an Oscar!Fun fact about me- I used to be a pretty big Lakers fan. Not sure why. I’ve never been to L.A., never saw one of their games anywhere else, but I just really liked them when I was in junior high and high school. I remember staying up really late once to watch one of the championship games. Anyway…now that I’ve thoroughly lost cool points with most of you…He won for Best Animated Short Film called Dear Basketball. I thought it was pretty cool. Also, his wife looks incredible. She’s beautiful, and that dress is her color.

Wonder Woman, I mean, Gal Gadot

This dress is liquid metal. Liquid, fringed metal. (not really, obviously) I love it so much. And that necklace…holy moly! It was the perfect accessory for the neckline of this dress. Her party dress was a similar neckline and she didn’t wear the necklace! What?! I supposed it had to go back to Tiffany’s. 🙂

Jennifer Lawrence

She’s like a bronze goddess. Her hair is not very “Oscars”, but she still looked really pretty. The warm makeup was a bit dark on her eyes for me, but overall I think it works with the dress. She also wasn’t nominated, so it was definitely her year to just kick back a little, enjoy the night and look gorgeous.

Gina Rodriguez

I loved the Old Hollywood feel of this dress. She pulls off this nude color so well with her complexion. Her hair was perfect for this look to showcase the dress and the plunging neckline. And the belt and train were just stunning to me. Very glamorous.

Laura Dern

This woman could wear a potato sack, and it would look pretty. She just has a great frame for clothes. White had a moment on the red carpet, and I liked this statement shoulder. I was a little sad she was wrinkled. Her jewelry and hair looked great, though. The simple look was elegant and timeless.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. looked amazing. This corseted gown was so. good. The camera for TV picked up on that beautiful beading on her dress better than the still camera did. I just thought she looked so elegant. And if you did watch, did you not absolutely love her performance for Best Original Song for her movie Mudbound? She took us to church, complete with a choir, and it was incredible.

Margot Robbie

This was my favorite white dress of the evening. The silhouette on her was just perfect in all the right places. Her simple waves and pretty makeup completed the look beautifully. It didn’t overpower it at all, which can sometimes happen with a white dress. I thought the draping straps were different at first…maybe a little like Christmas tree garland, but it grew on me. I really like this one. It ended up being one of my favorite dresses of the night. Also, I cannot wait to see her in I, Tonya. I think the Tonya Harding scandal was the first scandal I actually remember, so it’ll be interesting to watch a film about it.

Viola Davis

Don’t like her hair. Don’t hate it, but don’t love it. What I do love is this pink dress. This dress is EVERYTHING. I had such a positive, happy reaction to it when she came on screen. She wears color so well. I hope she always does bold and bright colors. Fabulous! Just fabulous!

Nicole Kidman

Okay, I don’t know if I love it or hate it. I love the color. She is a beauty in blue. Her hair and makeup are flawless, and those earrings are oh so good. But this dress…I think I like it. But then I’m not sure about the fabric…or that very heart-y sweetheart neckline. The bow is architecturally interesting and I can appreciate that about the dress from an artistic standpoint, but I just can’t decide. What do you think? Love it or hate it?

Zendaya

I love when someone does chocolate brown right. It’s such an underused color, but she really made this work. The other sleeve of the gown is drapey and long and flowy. I love her hair up as to not take away from the dress. And those stacks of diamonds on her wrist are the perfect accessories. Beautiful.

Jennifer Garner

Um, I think she found her color. And her voluminous, side-parted hair is the stuff my dreams are made of. Her makeup was flawless, and she knew just how to work this dress. She’s was another one of my best dressed of the night.

Meryl Streep

I know this is a very simple, understated look, but she looks so beautiful. I think she’s really owning this deep V and this shade of red. She looks effortless, and I think it was worth a mention. She’s such a pro, too. She broke her own record this year with number of nominations. You go, girl!

Greta Gerwig

I predicted that she would wear yellow. And I think it was the right move. She has a great skin tone for yellow. I’m so jealous. Her makeup was really pretty, and the dress seemed to be something she was comfortable in. She had to be so nervous coming in as the potential second woman to win the Oscar for Best Director. She did’t win, but you could tell she was so thrilled to be there. And why not? She’s young, she made an Oscar-nominated film, she produced work worthy of an Oscar nomination herself, and the talent in her movie was also nominated. She’s the whole package and the real deal. I can’t wait to see Ladybird and see what everyone’s been talking about.

Rita Moreno

The repeat offender! Just kidding. Kind of. She did repeat her Oscar gown from 1962, but it was really pretty and fresh for 2018. The only thing I didn’t understand was her headband. It looks like what I put in my hair before I put on my shower cap on days I don’t wash my hair. She’s still quite the beauty, and her necklace was such a statement piece. I loved it. Just imagine the look without that silly headband. Goodness gracious… 🙂

Allison Janney

BEST DRESSED! This look deserves that little gold man. The dress was my favorite the moment I saw it, and it never left first place. The plunging neckline with that blinding, icy necklace is lovely on her. But those sleeves. The sleeves are my favorite part. I think maybe this is the best she’s ever looked on the red carpet. It was truly her night. Everything is perfection.

The Vanity Fair After Party

Allison Janney

Well, here she is again in more red and an elegant white collared shirt. Oh my goodness. It’s too good. That Oscar is the best accessory she could have for this party. What a great night on all fronts for her. Bravo, Allison Janney.

Emma Watson

This dress is so beautiful on her. I love the beaded necklace. It drapes over the shoulders so delicately. It’s very elegant, but her choppy bangs give the look a bit of an edge. She is totally pulling it off, though. Fierce.

Mindy Kaling

So, she just had a baby. Wow! She looks so beautiful. I love a good sequin moment, and this dress delivered. Her hair and makeup are really great, and she looks sexy. Work it, Mindy. She’s one of my top party looks, for sure. Second only to Allison Janney. Love this.

Well, you know I want to know your thoughts. Who was your best dressed? Did you watch the show? Did you watch the red carpet coverage? Let me know in the comments.

*All pictures are from Instyle Magazine and Vanity Fair Instagram accounts.

Emmy Awards Fashion Favorites 2017

EMMY AWARDS FASHION FAVORITES

Happy Fashion Friday, friends!

I know the Emmy Awards were last Sunday, but I keep seeing these wonderful pictures of the beautiful gowns that were strutted down the red carpet, and I have to share my favorites. Here they are in order of my most favorite to my least favorite.

Millie Bobby Brown in Calvin Klein by Appointment

She is my best dressed, hands down. I thought she looked stunning. Gorgeous, classic, and conservative (she’s only 13). Her simple hair and minimal makeup were the perfect styling, and I even loved the shoe pairing. Two thumbs way up!

Nicole Kidman in Calvin Klein by Appointment

The tea length dress was very popular on the red carpet last Sunday, and though I didn’t love all of those dresses, this one was beautiful. I love the bit of sparkle. I love the deep V, but loved even more that it wasn’t all cleavage. The color looks amazing against her fair skin, and the pink shoe is a fun way to add a little something extra. She rarely gets it wrong on the red carpet and this was no exception.

Thandie Newton in Jason Wu

She always looks so beautiful on a red carpet. But she usually does something very fashion-y. This look is so gorgeous. I think this color is perfect on her. I love her hair and makeup, too. She knocked it out of the park with this look.

Felicity Huffman in Tony Ward

Now that’s a red carpet moment! I just love everything about this. The color, her hair, and let’s not overlook the fact that her body is killer and the dress makes her look 8 feet tall. So beautiful.

Mandy Moore in Carolina Herrera

Okay, so I know people said she looked a bit like an Oreo, and I’ll give them something because the still shot of this dress is NOTHING compared to when she walked. It was a beautiful, flowing bit of nothing that resembled an Oreo. She looks fabulous. And that pink lip…Perfection!

Anna Chlumsky in Sachin and Babi

This dress looks like liquid silver poured over her body (well, the bottom half). I love how it’s mirror-like and totally picking up the red from the carpet. I really like the ombre to gold around the shoulders. Just a beautiful dress. It was even better on television. I would have rather seen her hair not so slicked back, but she looks incredible.

Claire Foy in Oscar de la Renta

And so continues my obsession with the designs of Mr. de la Renta. I know he’s been gone a few years, but the clothes with his name sewn into them NEVER disappoint me. (It’s one of my favorite Instagram feeds.) 🙂 I loved that it was a jumpsuit, and that half-cape-train-thing is very chic. It was just something unexpected that I really liked.

Ellie Kemper in Jenny Packham

I love the top half of this dress. The navy color and the beading is bananas, but why couldn’t they line it all the way to the ground? That would have probably put her at number two. I love the color of the dress with her hair color. And she’s just flat out beautiful! Though, I would have liked it to be a tad different, it’s still one of my favorite looks.

Zoe Kravitz in Dior Couture

I know this one isn’t for everyone. But I loved the rainbow skirt on this one. I feel like this one isn’t just a dress for an event. I feel like she was trying to make a fashion statement. Some people have said she maybe looks a little like a bird, but I think it’s so unique and just so dang pretty. I love the rainbow with the black bodice, and I’m kind of liking her darker hair. Pretty.

Jessica Biel in Ralph and Russo

Yes, this is my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely gown. I love that it’s drapey at the top, and I love the train. But can someone please tell me why they covered up this pretty, shiny, sparkly goodness with gauzy badness? It would have been SOOOO much better had it been all silver and ALL sparkly. That being said, I really do like the dress. And you just don’t get much better looking than Jessica Biel.

Well, y’all, that’s it! Hope this brought some pretty to your Friday!

Wait! One more. I love Stranger Things and can’t wait for it to come back this Halloween, and the boys of the show looked very dapper. I love how their own personal style is displayed for each young man.

Have a great weekend!

XO,

Elizabeth

Crafty Earring DIY

I follow quite a bit of fashion and beauty bloggers and YouTubers, and lately, I’ve been seeing these earrings pop up in a few places.

I instantly fell in love with them, sourced them out, and went to place my order. I found they were at one of my favorite jewelry websites, Baublebar, but they had to be pre-ordered and they were $38. In the grand scheme of things $38 isn’t really that much money, but if you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love myself a good Walmart clearance deal. I’ve also linked several more budget friendly jewelry retailers in a previous post. See, I’ve always been told I have champagne taste on a beer budget. And right now my budget is not willing to pay for much more than Natural Light. So, to me $38 made me initially go, “Aw man.” As I did the back and forth of “do I really need these?”, “but they are so cute”, “no one is going to have these”, “but they are nearly $40-especially after taxes and shipping”, “they are definitely an indulgence”, etc…I realized that they were made of thread. And then I thought, I’m kind of crafty. I used to cross stitch when I was a kid, so I know my way around a needle and thread. I can absolutely MAKE these! Luckily, I had a similarly shaped pair of earrings (that I got on clearance at Walmart), but I hadn’t been wearing them lately, so I decided they were getting up-cycled.

My Granny has recently passed away, and she was a bit of a “collector”-of lots of things. One of these things being thread. *Thank you, Granny!* My mom also has a rather large collection because she likes to sew and used to do her fair share of cross stitching too. I asked to peruse her collection, but she brought over two large containers from my Granny that just so happened to have the perfect colors and plenty of each one.

I started out with the black and white pattern around the earrings.

I got a little carried away and cut the thread early on after I had tied knots, but I underestimated how much I had to handle the earrings, and they promptly fell apart. So, back to square one. Live and learn, right?

I decided to leave long strands to tighten again if needed. Once I had it completely wrapped, I made sure the knots were tight, cut the excess string, and Superglued the ends down to the back. I tried to make it as nice looking as possible, but since the backs don’t really show, I wasn’t too worried about it.

You know when you set out to do a task, especially a DIY, and you think that it’ll take like an hour, maybe two? Yeah, I thought this too, but it took me all dang day and then the next afternoon to complete these things. So, when I got one completely done in black and white, I was super excited.

My Aunt Rena told me that it was fairly simple to make a tassel. I followed her instructions of wrapping the thread around something (my two fingers), cutting the bottom to open up the loop, pulling up the top a bit and wrapping a sting of the same color around to make the tassel. It really was simple. But then as I looked back at the original earrings, I saw how many I had to make. Holy cow!

I made them according to the picture but ended up not needing them all. I made up my pattern of tassels and laid them out to see if I liked it. I did. Then I had to decide how to attach the tassels to the base. This is when I went to bed. My brain had had enough.

When I got back to work, I thought I might need some jewelry wire, but turns out I could thread the tassels together using white or black thread (I chose white). I then wrapped the extra around the part of the earring that was already wrapped in white and Superglued it to make it secure.

I also added a little Superglue along the bottom of the base so that the tops of the tassels would lay flush to it.

I think they turned out cute. I have enjoyed wearing them, and though they don’t look exactly like the originals, I think they are pretty darn close. I also love the fact that I didn’t have to pay a dime (except maybe $2.00 for the actual earrings when I originally bought them).

If you’re still reading by now, I want to say that I wrote this post to show that just because you may have expensive taste without the budget to go along with it, you don’t have to go without. Sure, these earrings might not be of the same quality as Baublebar, but with a little imagination and creativity I was able to recreate something that I might never have bought for myself because it seemed a little indulgent. Also, I know that I appreciate them more because I put the time and effort in to making them with my own hands.

I challenge you to get crafty this month. It’s spring! It’s time to do something fun. Make a pretty wreath for your door, sew some cloth napkins or place mats, arrange a pretty spring bouquet for your table, or perhaps you want to make some earrings. 🙂 Happy Crafting, everyone!

Earrings and Bracelets and Necklaces, Oh My!

Since we moved in about six months ago, I’ve pretty much taken over the guest room. It is the room with the least and the most purpose. It is basically our office, gym (haha, like twice), storage space, my closet, and my dressing room. The closet in the master was too small for both my husband and I to hang our clothes, so I decided I would take the closet in the guest room. I’m usually up earlier than he is, and let’s face it, I go through my closet every single morning absolutely sure that I have NOTHING to wear. (Don’t we all?) And secretly wishing there was some kind of magic in the world where everything I pinned on my Fashion Pinterest Board would just show up! Needless to say, that doesn’t happen and Paul would be mighty grumpy every morning if I were doing this where he is trying to sleep.

One of the areas in my guest room is designated to my jewelry. A very small area, I might add. It’s a two drawer night stand that has been passed down to us and has stuck around through our moves. And as you can see, I had this super fabulous, totally functional organization strategy going on with all that jewelry.

Right? I mean, totally works.

In my house in Louisiana I was having the same problem. Then, one day Paul and I were strolling through TJ Maxx and I found this pretty brilliant jewelry organizer. I linked the jewelry holders page from TJ Maxx just above and y’all, they are SO CUTE!

I bought it for just under $15, I think and got to work organizing (or as one of my students says “orgazining”-cracks me up every time she wants to “orgazine” the markers in the art center). I hung it inside my closet and was just as excited about it then as I am now and promptly posted it to social media.

So even after settling into our apartment I just didn’t get around to hanging it up. I guess I was looking for the “perfect” spot to hang it. And when you’re short on space, especially that nice walk in closet space you had before, it’s tough to envision where you’re going to put something like that. Especially in the middle of a guest room.

So, I had a free afternoon one day and decided I was going to hang this thing and get my jewelry organized. It’s one of those tasks that seems daunting because you might have to measure and get tools out and hammer and nail and balance on a stool or ladder, but it totally only took about an hour from start to finish.

I pulled out the organizer, dusted it off, and got it ready for hanging.

I really like the staggered knobs for hanging those longer necklaces.

I did use my tape measure to make sure that I was getting the right distance between the holes on the back. There were no studs in the wall so I used these hooks. Paul calls them Hercules Hooks, but I’m pretty sure I got the cheap ones at Walmart because these were called Monkey Hooks. The package said one hook can support 25 pounds, so I think the monkeys will get the job done. 🙂

I was able to hang all of my necklaces, a few bracelets, and all of the earrings with hooks for backs with room for more! 🙂

On the table I didn’t do too much to the bracelet holder, but you can see that I did lay out some of my most worn bracelets. All of the bracelets laying out came from a wonderful website called Wrist Soiree. She has beautiful pieces, and they have all held up really well.

I received this gorgeous tray from a student this year for Christmas and instead of storing it away in my china cabinet, I decided to use it for my dangly earrings that have post backs, my funky ring holder, and a rhinestone pin. Most of these earrings are from Walmart. The navy blue tassel ones are on sale for $3!!! They have so many cute styles right now. I had to restrain myself the last time I went grocery shopping.

Inside the drawer I just cleaned it up a bit. I set up my rings in an old velvet lined box and straightened up a box of jewelry I was given from my Granny’s collection. Inside the sparkly box I stored jewelry that I don’t wear anymore or wear that often but that has sentimental value. Plus, that box is super sparkly, and I can’t bring myself to part with it. The glass heart box is something I believe I’ve had since high school. I separated the two pieces and put all of those little clear backs in it. This makes it so much easier for me and I don’t lose them quite as often anymore. The other half of the heart holds all of my stud earrings on the top of the table.

Most of my jewelry is costume jewelry. I have some nicer pieces from Kendra Scott, BaubleBar, and certain boutiques I’ve bought from here and there, but for the most part, most of it comes from more affordable places like Walmart or Wrist Soiree and occasionally Target. Another place to find great, inexpensive jewelry is Versona. If you haven’t browsed this store in East Chase, I encourage you to. In Louisiana it was set up much like Charming Charlie (another great place for affordable jewelry) and was color coordinated. I have many pieces from there. Those blue and gold circle earrings and the green ones beside it on the tray are from Versona as are the coral Kendra Scott look-a-like ones hanging on the wire. And one more great local place to find cute jewelry is The Pineapple. Especially if you catch a Wednesday sale on jewelry!

My hope for this post was to inspire anyone who was having trouble finding a method to the madness like I was. Do any of you already have a jewelry organization system? I dream of a huge closet with a built in chest of drawers just for jewelry. Something like The Container Store or Ikea would do. *Swoon* Have any of you made a cute jewelry organizer? Share in the comments to let me know. I just might need to make some tweaks to my own system.

Oscars 2017 Fashion Roundup

I can’t help myself. I seriously love me some award season fashion. I may have a little Instagram post saying that award season is better than football season, and my husband told me to hand over my house key. Hahaha! I really do have a thing for fashion, and it is so much fun for me to watch that part of the award shows. Despite the craziness of Moonlight winning Best Picture after a pretty unfortunate mix-up with La La Land, the fashion was one of the best parts of the Academy Awards on Sunday.

I’m a long-time fashion lover, and I know there’s a few of you who read this blog that are like me and love it too. So, here are my favorite looks from the awards ceremony and the Vanity Fair after party.

Golden Girls-

I really loved Emma Stone’s dress. The Fashion Police weren’t so impressed, but I’m loving that fringe, and I think she looks like she deserved that golden statue to match her golden dress. Her hair and makeup were so beautiful. I love that lip color on her.

I thought Jessica Biel’s dress was so interesting (and not in a Ryan Seacrest think’s Dakota Johnson’s dress is interesting kind of way). What I loved most about the look was the BANANAS Tiffany necklace she layered over the top. I don’t love her hair…I actually really don’t like it, but that necklace…It was my favorite accessory of the night.

Another Golden Goddess was Nicole Kidman. She was just beautiful. Her whole look was so well put together. I loved the lip color against the neutral canvas and also loved the tiny pop of color from those earrings.

On to the dark side-

Janelle Monae. I wanted to be like, come on, this is so stupid, how is she going to sit down, it’s too much, this whole fashion is art thing is so dumb. But I LOVED this. She is such a beautiful girl, and this dress! It just works! Stunning!

Brie Larson’s Oscar de la Renta gown was so lovely. I really like the ruffles down the front and the points of the neckline. I didn’t love her hair, and maybe the dress was too heavy for such a little frame, but I can’t help it. I want to wear this dress right into the Cracker Barrel to eat my meatloaf dinner on a regular Monday night. Oscar de la Renta is one of those designers that can do no wrong in my eyes. So, I really loved this dress.

And then there was Taraji. Holy Cow! She looks the best she’s looked all award season, and I was really crushing on that gown she wore to the SAG Awards. But this topped that! Maybe she over-contoured her cleavage, but she still looked stunning.

Ladies in Red-

Viola Davis was a big winner this year, and I can’t wait to see Fences. She’s another one that has looked flawless all award season long. But she looked positively radiant in this bright red. I love how her deep skin tone is paired with bright and bold colors. Her hair, makeup, and accessories were perfect as well.

Okay, another one The Fashion Police didn’t like was Ruth Negga. But I thought this was just so pretty and feminine. I think the red looked gorgeous on her, and I really liked her hair and bold lip as well.

Beautiful Girls-

Another one I thought was just so elegant was Isabelle Huppert. She is of a more mature age, and her dress was just so chic. I felt like there was a bit of a 70’s vibe going on, which I love. But she was simply beautiful. And she had these ear crawlers going on which gave it a little edge that I kind of loved.

I really wanted to hate this look. I do NOT like a short dress for the Oscars. I just feel like it’s the most prestigious award show in America, and I think you should dress the part. But I couldn’t hate it. I loved how it shined and I like the cut out. I still don’t like the shortness of it, but I do like the structure of the dress and how it is cut, I guess. I like the bluntness of the high-low factor. And those shoes, y’all. I loved the mismatched shoes. But I kind of wish they had been peaking out from behind a long hem with a high slit or something. Naomi Harris is an incredibly beautiful woman and wore the dress flawlessly. I can’t wait to see her in Moonlight.

And y’all….Hailee Steinfeld. It was a bit sheer for me while she was being photographed and filmed on the carpet, but on stage I didn’t get that it was that sheer. Regardless, the sweetness, the softness, the ethereal feel I get from this dress is just….ahh. I mean, it is amazing. And the ruffles down the back. I have no words. Her hair was so pretty, and I really loved the smokey eye against the femininity of the dress. Everything was just so good! Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how drop dead gorgeous she is? Beautiful!

Party People-

Ruth Negga knocked it out of the park for me again at the Vanity Fair party. I believe this again is Oscar de la Renta. (See? Can do no wrong.) I thought it was sparkly to perfection and just fun. What a great dress for partying the night away.

I’m not sure what exactly it was about Amy Adams’ dress that I loved, but I did. Maybe it’s that shine factor, but I thought she just looked lovely. The color was good for her, and I loved her hair. Overall, a simple yet stunning look.

I can’t talk about Oscars fashion and not mention the lady that made even the non-pregnant girls feel like they couldn’t measure up. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. That’s all I have to say about that one.

Perhaps my favorite party look was Elizabeth Banks. She looked so incredible. I loved everything about this dress down to the birds, which isn’t usually my thing, but this was so pretty. I loved the belt they added and the jeweled straps of the dress. And those shoes…more heart eyes. I mean, look at that heel! So, so good!

Any of you agree? Disagree? Did I leave someone out that you liked? Let me know in the comments. We can gab some more about Oscar Night Fashion. 🙂