Royal Fascinators

This DailyCandy video has me intrigued. Hat maker Eugenia Kim shows us how to make quick and easy fascinators in this short clip.

My cousin Cindy (the one in S Africa) asked me recently what I thought of "fascinators" that the British ladies are wearing lately. Being that I am a maker of headbands and hair pieces, I'm obviously a fan of head wear in general. Lately I haven't been wearing much more than a bun on top of my head, but the upcoming nuptials might be an occasion to change that.

Kate Middleton is a frequent wearer of these feathers, and keeps it classy and fairly simple.

Inspiration can also be taken from SJP, and she definitely isn't afraid to go the extra mile!

Cindy's Shoes

So my cousin Cynthia is getting married this weekend as you know...

We ran into a bit of a problem (but not one we couldn't solve!!!) when we ordered these shoes with the intent on dying them gold to go with the wedding...

And the cobbler said that dying wasn't possible!!! Alicia and mom and I sat around trying to figure out what to do. There was this piece of gold raw silk sitting next to the shoe and I started to weave it under the loop at the top of the shoe...we all gasped...with lots of tedious stitching and tacking, (and a lot of help and direction from my amazing mom), this is what I came up with for the wedding shoes:

(photo cred: cousin Julie)

I suppose I just expanded the Artisann line into wedding shoes!!!

Last Minute Sale

So, last minute, I've decided to have a major sale on the Artisann. Get some last minute shopping (and stocking stuffing!!!) done in time for the holidays. I will close up Monday December 20th so please order by then.

Go to my site and shop with coupon HolidayCheer to get 25% off on all orders!!! Spread the love!

Brides

Just wanted to share some of my brides with you all!! Don't they all look amazing?

My cousin Erica..(taken by Julie)

Dear friend Laura (and I did all the bridesmaids' hair pieces as well!)

I love all the concerned faces as they bustle her dress.

(Laura's photos are via Josh Fowler Photography!)

Chrissy's friend...

(via Nine Photography!)

cute cake, too!

Just in time for the holidays..

Finally..I've pulled myself out of a longggggggg nap and revamped my etsy site. I re-took ALL the pictures with ALL the new pieces, and posted them up for all to see. Notice the second display spot? Oh ya...a big, tartan, fabulous bow band. You know I'm obsessed.

Spread the word, stop on over...grab one or two or ten in time for holiday gift giving!! :)

Weekend Success: Painted Door!

To say this weekend was productive is an under-statement. I accomplished most everything I set out to do.

Friday-Defensive driving-check. It was miserable...enduring 6 hours of lectures and readings...I had to finish some on Saturday and the test last night. But I passed (whew) :)

Saturday-After working out and running some errands, we stopped by the Jingle Bash..WOWWWW it was QUITE crowded and hot in there. Texas has gone through a bit of a warm up (70s today!) and I don't think they were prepared for that.

I did pick up a super cool gold branch necklace from f is for frank. Probably shouldn't be shopping for myself during the holiday season...but I only have one more present to buy for Christmas!!!!



We went and purchased all the necessary supplies to paint the front door come Sunday. I think the guy at Lowe's thought this was my first rodeo with painting, because he was loading us up with directions. In my head: "I got this buddy.."

Stage 1: Priming. The door was a dark green/black/dirty/ugly before, so primer was necessary. (oh, after we cleaned the door)

Happy Alicia painting! (This was still the beginning so we were hopped up on yummy breakfast)
Alicia and I painting..funny that we kept our normal clothes on..lol

Stage 2: The first coat goes on. My sis Virginia came to help!

Close up of stage 2

I am very focused.. see my gold branch necklace even made the shot!

Moses came to help. He was so helpful...bringing his enthusiastic spirit AND making sure his outfit matched the door. Way to go, Mo!

While we were at it...we decided to re-paint the welcome mat. The birds were slightly more neon yellow, so they got a face lift with some of the mustard gold paint.

Me!

Stage 3: THE FINISHED DOOR! It took 3 coats, and we'll be doing touch ups later. We may even paint the swirly pattern a grey or other color...yet to be determined. What do you think??

With the mat:

Warning: it was a tiring project. Make sure you don't let your cat run away while the door remains ajar during the drying phase. We propped a fan nearby to expedite the process, but he still escaped...and has been acting crazy ever since. Let's be honest, he wouldn't last a DAY outdoors.

Sunday evening I went to a Thanksgiving potluck hosted by some members of the monthly dinner club (which I have been a part of for 2.5 years!) and I am still stuffed...the cheese grits and "Not yo Mama's" mac-n-cheese were among my favorites...

On the agenda tonight? Wrapping Christmas presents!!!

Full and festive weekend

Happy Friday!!! I can't wait for the weekend to be here. So much fun and festive going on!!

Surely will stop by the Etsy bash on Saturday..

A little Thanksgiving pot luck with Lauren on Sunday...

Painting the front door mustard..

And getting through defensive driving..wah wah..............
Happy weekend :)

Rain Clouds.

Again, here is Henry (also known as Hen Pen). I bought him this black raincloud t shirt from the Little Bean shop. It suits him quite well.
Audra has notified me that he has worn it every day since I gave it to him. Today he had a different t shirt on, noticed this one being folded from the dryer, and promptly changed back into it.

I love him.

Weekend fabulousness

Is that a word? Who cares, it is now :)

image via the Sartorialist.

Julie and I are obsessed with this recent post. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend...Virginia and I will be selling our crafties at a local bazaar today and we couldn't be more excited!!! What doesn't sell at the bazaar will be uploaded to my etsy shop (which is LONG overdue to be updated) in the coming weeks!!! Stay tuned on that.

Happy weekend!

Fall Trends: Sephora

Virginia got an email blast from Sephora with the following:

Bombshell hair (hello volume! teasing! curls!)


Red lips (oh so hot! I try to tone down the eyes at the same time..)

Plum shadows (love the plums! Most of my shadows are purples as it is.)

Now where is Fall!? Oh hello 104+ degree weather :( :(

i've been tagged.

I got tagged by Vintage Girl over at Moonbeamwishes! Stop by her cute blog and etsy shop today..
1) What's a perfect styling for you?
I love anything striped, grey, or yellow as well as any cardigan or wedge shoe. I think the two items that top my closet (in quantity and usage) are cardis and wedges.

2) For what do you spend most of your money?
One word: shoes.

3) What's your favorite song at this moment?
Oh I always have a few...
Friendly Fires: Jump in the Pool
Local Natives: Cubism Dream
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes: 40 Day Dream
Lady Gaga: Teeth

4) Which excellences do you think you have?
The ability to laugh with others and at myself, the ability to see beauty in every day life, this is a hard question........

5) And What are your failings?
Not sleeping well which leads to exhaustion and distraction, over-committing myself at times...

And now I tag these bloggers:
Cousin Julie of Julie Wilhite Photography
Shari of the Little Blue Dear
Mary of Room Polish
Maria Grace of Uptown Girl
Erin of Apartment #34

xo

How Tuesday: How to Celebrate Summer

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to make the most of Summer. Grilling, pool time, and cool treats. It doesn't matter whether you're celebrating the 4th or just getting family/friends together!

How to Celebrate Summer:

Eating:

1. Grill- I've been marinating chicken in spicy BBQ sauce and making sure not to over cook it. Throw some veggies on the grill with it too. My roommate and I also did kabobs with peaches, onions, peppers, and chicken and it was to die for! (click for recipe)

2. Drink- Margaritas and other frozen drinks seem to be taking over wine. (fine by me). I also like having decaf iced tea in the fridge with oranges and lemons.

3. Treats- Does anyone get DailyCandy emails? I just saw this Cuisinart ice cream maker and might have ordered one. Plus they come in adorable colors!

Doing:

1. Swimming- and by swimming I mean standing in the water holding my glass of wine.

2. Throwing a Frisbee/football/small child.

3. Outdoor movies- dying to try this, and we have it going on in the area I'm pretty sure.

4. Fireworks- out at the lake, or locally, especially on the 4th!

Wearing:

1. Nothing. Just kidding! What do you think this is?!

2. Light colors

3. Bathing suits+cover ups

4. Simple dresses

5. Cute accessories---need some ideas? Check out my shop!

6. Sandals

Spotted!

Girls in my headbands :)


lovely cousin Julie..


Dyland (in tie dye) on her birthday (I made them each one as favors).

Custom order from Laura :)
And me in my signature dandelions! (photo by Julie Wilhite)

How Tuesday: How to Prep for the 4th of July

The holiday is approaching...and I know I'm ready for a break!

How to prep for the 4th...

1. Make a plan - whether it's a trip or beers & bbq, get something set.

2. Prepare some grub

- pico de gallo + blue corn tortilla chips=festive snack

- Miller Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Bud Light are just a few beers that are festive looking...Pabst being the most patriotic (but not as easy to find)

- Non-alcoholic beverages...red punch, blue punch, etc.

- American foods: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, burgers and dogs

3. Get the extras - Sparklers and Streamers

4. Get ready

- Shades and Sunscreen

- Bug spray for fireworks time

- Simple outfit for all day long (I'll most likely wear stripes because I'm obsessed...) (Maybe you need a festive headband???)

What are your favorite 4th of July traditions?