Saturday, April 30, 2011

Mint tea and laundry.

I'm starting my Saturday with mint tea {why yes, that is Hannah Montana you see on my coffee cup...this is my favorite coffee cup ever! Don't judge me!} and putting away a mountain of clothes...Tric is trying to help...isn't he sweet??

Im also pretending that my throat doesn't hurt {it does feel better than it has, mom. (She's concerned) So I think its getting better, honestly!}. Ignorance is bliss, right?? {yea, i don't think that works in this case either...but whatever!}

I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! See you Monday!

Love always.


Friday, April 29, 2011

Chapter 5 -- I love you.

I love you.

It was such a whirl-wind once we were finally together. It was almost hard to get used to. When you are constantly fighting for something for so long and you finally get it... you have to pinch yourself to make sure it's real. And it was.

We began dating in April {my brother's birthday to be exact} and by summer we were already in love. I think I had fallen in love long before then... but I tried to play it a little smart. I remember my birthday so vividly that year. He had planned this fun day trip to Athens to hang out with a couple friends of ours. We went down and milled around all day and just had a nice time. He then took me back to my parents house where they had all planned a surprise party for me {which was so awesome!} my girls from college were there, family, E. It was just perfect. It was the little things like that that made me so grateful for him, it made me grateful for everything we had been through. It brought us there.

It's hard to imagine how many miles our cars travelled that summer. {and the years thereafter} Our entire relationship was long distance {ish}. Always at least an hour away from each other... it was trying. It caused fights. But in the end we both knew if that were the least of our problems, we really couldn't complain. One of our favorite things to do was to just get in the car and drive... with no destination. We found so many fun places, created so many memories, and really got to know each other during those times. I'm still thankful for them, those are the memories I look back on now and smile.

My family loved him, my friends loved him, it was as if the stars had finally aligned. For so long we didn't have drama, we didn't fight. We just simply enjoyed finally being with each other. We settled into our life together and I honestly believed he was the guy I was going to marry. {You know when you are little and you envision walking down the aisle but the face of the groom is always blurry? Yea, it wasn't anymore.}

For the next 3 years, we lived them flawlessly. We had a routine, we knew what made us work...what didn't. He supported me and my dreams, watched me graduate college, watched {and endured} me beginning my first "big girl" job. And I did all the same for him. During those crucial moments of our lives, we were both there for each other. He was one of the best friends I had ever had, knew me like no one else ever could. We started planning the wedding and our life together. {colors, times of year...how many kids we wanted, their names...} I was one of the lucky ones, I had found this amazing guy who put up with my antics, who loved me to the depths of his soul, he would have given me the moon and stars had I asked for them. So many people spend their life searching for another half to make them feel this loved... and I had it.

But I took it all for granted...

You're gonna need that wine next week, maybe two bottles.

Happy Friday, lovelies.

Love always.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Local Ladies {Lindsay at Suite Shoppe}

Local Ladies is a new segment that you will see on here weekly {yup, get excited!}. It will be featuring girls around Columbus {and surrounding areas} that are doing something outside the box. Doing {crafting, baking, photography, designing, etc.} something they LOVE and inspiring the world around them while doing so. These are girls I have came across on Twitter, blogs, Facebook, and in real life. They have inspired me. And I wanted to help spread the word... 

Meet Lindsay! She is the creative mind behind Suite Shoppe. She is a fellow Ohio girl and her infinity loop scarves have created quite a buzz around here. {They are stinkin' cute, YOU need one!} Check her out, follow her on Twitter, read her blog, and order a scarf... {ready, set, go!!!!}



1. Tell us a little about yourself...By day (and sometimes in the evenings) I'm the Marketing Director for 614 Media Group. You may know us more commonly by (614) Magazine, UWeekly and Faveroo.com. In my spare time I love to bake and break for all things creative and colorful here in the city. 

2. Where did you get the idea for your infinity scarves? I guess you could say that the "a-ha" moment came a few weeks ago while I was doing a little spring cleaning. I have so many t-shirts from high school and college clubs/organizations that it was getting a little out of hand. I thought there has to be something that can be done with these so I tore one up and created a rough template of what's known now as an Infinity Loop Scarf!



3. Where do you pull inspiration from? Inspiration is funny. It's something you have to commit to and work for. I've been able to find inspiration in many different places but a lot of the inspiration for Suite Shoppe has come from people that I have crossed paths with.

4. How would you describe your personal fashion sense? Fashionable to me is something that flatters your body type while making you feel your best. I follow the trends and enjoy seeing a lot of the new color combinations and styles but if it's not something I feel comfortable in, then I'll leave it to be worn on the runway/in the magazine.

5. Any exciting news for Suite Shoppe's future? Suite Shoppe has reached a point where it feels right to start approaching local boutiques that fit the brand’s image. If all goes well, the next step includes Loop Scarves being sold around Columbus. I've also had requests to make spirit wear scarves for local high schools. I recently met with a local high school and hope to have Loop Scarves featured in their school's store in the fall.

6. Advice for anyone trying to get into the handmade community? Columbus is full of people who want to see local ideas succeed. All you have to do is ask! My advice is to network but do so in a way that develops professional relationships and not just one time conversations. Make connections and commit to organizations and communities that you're interested in.


What'd ya think?? Pretty cool, right? 

Do you know any local ladies that should be featured on here?? {Please say yes!} 

Email me if you or someone you know should score a spot on here!

Happy Wednesday, Kids!

Love always.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

i remember.

I've been home today {duh, it's Easter.} And when I'm home... and bored {or can't sleep, like in this case.} I go through old stuff... journals, pictures, folders, clothes, boxes... it's fun to remember what life was like so long ago. I find such fascination in seeing how I reacted to things so long ago. 

I found my senior year journal. We had prompts every week and Mrs. Keating read them, gave us her comments, and back to us they came. I loved this. I loved writing to her. I loved having to think outside the box. 


And I found this post interesting... just to see how different it'd be if I wrote it now. 

I remember...
March 29, 2001

i remember when life used to be simple. when what you saw is what you got. when you didn't worry about college you would get into. when the thought driving, paying bills, and being alone were the furthest thing from your mind. when the only thing that consumed your mind was when barbie was going to come out with a new doll. when boys had cooties. when holding hands was a big deal. {this still is to me.} when no one thought about kissing, and everyone thought french kissing was disgusting. when you didn't get into fights with your boyfriend over stupid things. when you didn't have to think about whats going to happen to your relationship when you move 3 hours away. when math was simple like 2+2. when you were friends with everyone. i remember when i never thought my years at BU would turn into an "i remember...".

...or maybe it wouldn't be much different at all...
That was written a tiny bit over ten years ago... I remember when high school seemed like the most important thing... and now it's just a very distant memory.


What do you remember?

Happy Tuesday, pretties.

Love always.

Monday, April 25, 2011

What I wore {Easter Sunday}.

bow {walmart}
earrings {forever 21}
dress {vintage}

It was a rainy Easter Sunday...but that didn't stop me from throwing on a dress and espadrilles for our family dinner. I could live in these shoes {no, they are NOT comfortable.} but they are so cute! This dress is vintage and I've had it for ages and haven't worn it. I think the next time I wear it I'll belt it, but I was running late this morning and thus forgot a belt. The dress is so comfy... maybe one of the most comfortable dresses I own. 

What did you wear on Easter Sunday??

Have a fabulous Monday!

Love always.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter.

Happy Easter to all of you! 

I hope you are spending the day with loved ones and remembering what this day is all about. 




I apologize for my lack of blogging this week. Promise this week will be much more eventful!
Have a wonderful day, loves!

Love always.

Friday, April 22, 2011

chapter 4 -- dear diary.

dear diary.

This is taken directly out of my journal so many years ago…

April 9 @ 1am.

Oh the drama. E and I are completely finished - well finished for E an I; which means he’s miserable and I fuel that fire because I know exactly how to. He’s decided to go back to C despite everything - and I told him - either way you’re going to sacrifice something. If you go back to her, I’m gone because I’m just not playing this game anymore. So that’s what he did. And now he’s living with this mistake he made. Saddest part of all - he knows he made a mistake. He’s tells me, ‘You’re such a huge part of me. I miss my best friend. Every time we say goodbye I lose a piece of me…’and I believe he’s that miserable - but he knows what has to do to fix this. I know I’m doing the right thing - as hard as it is. I’ve sucked it up and realized that if I put E on the back burner my life doesn’t have to revolve around him….

May 2 @ 2:06am

Oh how things have changed. The V (random boy I met) thing was very short lived. We’re back to E. He and I are actually officially dating. At first I was very apprehensive and scared and nervous and every other emotion possible towards it. It’s me and E. Together. Finally. It’s a VERY overwhelming situation. I had tried for over a year to show him he’d be happier here. I stuck by him through everything, including when I probably shouldn’t have - but I did. I care so incredibly much about him, it’s unreal. And I never really realized how much a part of me he is. Not until there comes a point where I should walk away. But after seeing everything and how he was with C - it does make me nervous, but gives me the upper hand because he can’t lie to me. And he tells me EVERYTHING. But right now I’m so happy. I mean I think I’m the happiest I’ve been in so long. It just feels right and real and natural. I feel like we’ve been together for a lot longer than we have. I hope and pray that this doesn’t get screwed up. I also think it’s a huge sign that we’re still here after so long. I just have so much going on inside my head right now about me and E. All I know is right now it feels right. Tonight the “My Immortal” song came on - for some reason it nearly brought me to tears - it reminds me of how much we really have been through and actually survived. I think as a couple, E and I are very strong. I can see us together for a while and this being even more serious than it already is…

This was a little intermission from the story {just to keep you waiting for next week}. Sometimes it's even difficult for me to recall everything. I was talking with E the other day and he was reading my blog {yup, I showed him - I thought he'd enjoy a little walk down memory lane...and, he did.} he told me it was funny to read it because he had forgotten so much over the years...

You will hear a lot from my journal. It’s how I can accurately recall the stories...

What will happen from here? Come back to find out.

Happy friday, loves!

love always.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

and enjoy the ride.


this speaks for itself. i love this.

happy thursday, dolls! we are almost to the weekend!
do you have big weekend plans??

love always.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Always pretty. Rain or shine.

I went home for the weekend to spend some time with the fam and for Bubba's birthday. It's so nice to get out of the city for a few days.

I snapped a couple pictures while the crazy rain storms were rolling through... its always so pretty in the country, rain or shine.

Happy rainy Tuesday, lovelies. How was your weekend?

Love always.




Monday, April 18, 2011

Meet Jacqueline {nope, not me!}.

So way back in the day {27 years to be exact} when Momma and Papa Shull decided to go with Jacqueline {Jac} for me they weren’t just taking a stab in the dark with the name. It just so happens to be my grandmother’s {my daddy's momma} name.  And I can’t complain, I have a feeling I was named after one amazing lady… 

 I think I have big shoes to fill and I pray everyday that I’m filling them correctly. I never got the pleasure of knowing my namesake, and I so desperately wish I had. I have always admired her in pictures {she's the only reason I know those adoption stories that my brother used to tell me are false[see the resemblance?]} and in stories my dad and my aunt and uncle tell.  She had such flawless style and after I was looking through pictures this weekend I truly wish items from her closet were still around - it's a true testament that fashion is a never ending cycle, it always comes back around.
large hair accessories.

 the bold print skirt.

retro cut swimwear.

 print dress. belted waist. wedge sandals. 

Walk into Anthropologie... I'd be willing to bet you could find something very similar to each of these pictures {and they're from the '40s!}. I love that.

 All items were found at Anthro {I challenged myself to find similar items - I'd say I did pretty well with my inspiration}. I think it's safe to say that the '40s are definitely playing a large role in fashion today.
There’s something amazingly mysterious about a grandmother {with fabulous style to boot!}… especially to a girl so obsessed with fashion and vintage. Those periods of fashion were so crucial {and so elegant} to where we are today in this industry.
Happy Monday, Pretties. I hope your week starts out well!
Love always.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

it's another birthday... {and Saturday Snapshot link up!}

Well kids, it's my little bro's birthday today and I'm home for the weekend so the blog's a bit quiet...

Happy birthday to the biggest pain in my bum bestest brother ever!! {even though he hides my cell phone, pinches the backs of my arms, and is constantly is picking on me...} But, he really is great... one of my best friends - i don't know what i'd do without him. {totally not gonna get all sappy about it, no worries, guys!}



I'm also linking up with the lovely Kim at Yellow Songbird for her Saturday Snapshot! Check it out - link up with her!

Happy Saturday, dolls! and another happy happy birthday to Bubba...{actual name - Keith but i never have called him that...weird?? haha!}

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Love always.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Chapter 3 -- The first kiss.

The first kiss.


You know that moment when you kiss someone and the world around you stops? That’s the moment I had when E and I kissed. It scared me more than anything else. There I was, falling for this amazing guy who wasn’t even available. Throughout the year that we had been talking and getting to know each other he and C got rockier and rockier. I knew in the back of my mind that I should run, I had known that all along, but something wasn’t letting me. I was so drawn to E. In ways I couldn’t explain. Maybe it was the chase, the never knowing, and the romantic notion of it all. I don’t know what it was; I just knew I was falling.

Towards the end of that year of ups and downs he and C finally ended things. She had found out about me and I had become tired of waiting. So many times I threatened to walk away and to leave everything we had built – and so many times I was pulled back in. Right or wrong; all I wanted was to be with him. But sometimes, even all the want in the world can’t make things happen.

Yes, they broke up. But then they got back together a week later. I was done. I (foolishly) had invested so much of my time, energy, and heart into someone I thought wanted me too. In those final days of that year, I was broken. He and I had become the best of friends, soul mates really. And in a snap decision, he lost it all.
I can still remember that weekend vividly even though it was so many years ago. He had hesitantly told me that he and C had gotten back together. {Remember that theory? It still holds true, at this point they weren’t happy at all. They were going through the motions because that’s what they had done for so long. They were that comfortable, misery relationship that they didn’t know how to survive without – good or bad.} I didn’t speak to him for a while. I had to think of my words carefully. Whatever I was going to say had to be meaningful.

Once I got over my initial shock and decided what I wanted to say, I explained to him that that was it. We weren’t to speak anymore. He had made his choice and I couldn’t continue down this road any longer. I couldn’t allow him to have his cake and eat it too. It was destroying everything I had once believed to be so special. I was hurt, but we were through. The friendship, the hopes of a relationship, the connection – over. We cried. But I wasn’t going to do it anymore.

Cut to 2 weeks later – E and I still hadn’t spoke. I was serious about it being over; I had been through too much by this point to just let it slide. So you can imagine my surprise when I receive a phone call from him. He tells me they broke up again, for good he claims. He asks if we can make amends, if we can fix things, so I simply say to him that if he means what he’s saying, if he wants to fix things with me – he will come see me for the weekend. (He went to CSCC and I went to BG, so he a nice 2 hour drive) I then hung up the phone and had no idea what to prepare for. Would he bitch out like he had so many times before? Would he man up and decide that it was me he wanted to be with?

Three hours later I get a phone call and he tells me to come downstairs to the lobby – there he was with lilies (my favorite). And in that moment I knew how much he cared about me. I knew how much he wanted to be with me, I knew he conquered his fear of the unknown to take a chance on me. It meant the world, and in all honesty - that romantic gesture still warms my heart today; makes me believe in love despite the bullshit.

On that rainy, spring day a new relationship bloomed (cheesy, right?). We went from being J and E, two kids getting themselves in way too deep – to being J and E, period.

{Theory #2 – what’s meant to be, will always find a way in the end. I do believe that, I believe that it won’t be an easy ride. That there will be moments when it seems more like work than anything, but with love and persistence anything is possible. If it lies within your destiny, you’ll get it. As long as you’re willing to fight like hell.}

Did you finish your bottle of wine? ;) Go get another. This is only the beginning…

Have a good one, dolls!

Love always.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Who is JacMarie?

I got the idea for this from my dear friend Mandi at Designs by Mandi. Every Monday she is going to introduce a little something about herself in her blog post. And I thought... HEY! Why not do that over here too... A lot of you may know plenty about me, maybe more than you wish you knew, but there may be some of you thinking... "Who exactly is this crazy girl that blogs about everything?!" So... just for you lovelies... I'm going to give a little introduction... in the way of answering one extremely thought provoking survey {I really just wanted you all to feel like you are reading MySpace again. Do people still use that??}



1. What time did you get up this morning?
8am...which will never fail to seem early to me {i know, many of you get up far earlier than that... but still... my internal clock likes 9. we are both happy there.}

2. Diamonds or pearls?
both. but they serve very different purposes... pearls if you want to look refined and classy. diamonds if you want to look sexy and classy... love.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Country Strong - for the 2nd time. it. is. so. good.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
One Tree Hill. General Hospital. Vampire Diaries. Pretty Little Liars.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
coffee. tea. fruit. cereal. something like that...

6. What is your middle name?
marie. {hence, the jacMARIE}

7. What food do you dislike?
ummm...tuna. pickles. condiments... things that smell gross.

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
old school A Fine Frenzy

9. What kind of car do you drive?
a maroon one.

10. Favorite sandwich?
one of the breakfast variety... which is very odd seeing as how i didn't find a love for eggs until like 6 months ago.

11. What characteristics do you despise?
lying.

12. Favorite item of clothing?
dresses. leggings. hoodies. who am i kidding, i love it all.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world, on vacation,
where would you go?
paris. italy.

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
anything thats cute honestly. i'm not a brand whore anymore! {yay for growing up!}

15. Where would you retire to?
on the coast of the Carolinas.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
they're all very memorable. i have amazing friends who tolerate my obnoxious need to celebrate my birthday for the entire month of May.

17. Favorite sport to watch?
um, none. sorry kids, just not a sports fan. i'll sit and "watch" it...which means i'll pretend i'm watching it but more than likely i have entered lala land.

18. When is your birthday?
may 19. do. not. forget. it.

19. Are you a morning person or a night person?
night. i'm not so chatty in the morning.

20. What is your shoe size?
6.5ish {i say ish because i have been known to squeeze into a size 5.5 or get a size 7 if my shoe needs see fit. what?! fashion knows no pain...}

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
i have been very busy filling custom orders for infinity scarves, yoga bags, duvet covers, pillows, etc {yayyyyy!!!}

22. What did you want to be when you were little?
a singer... {why did we all want to be singers when we were little?? } however, after i quickly learned that i can't carry a tune in a bucket... i went with my second love, fashion. i have always been interested in it.

23. What is your favorite candy?
hmm.. orange slices {with a side of Malibu, please} or swedish fish.

24. What is your favorite flower?
lilies. orchids. i. hate. roses.

25. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
hm... may 19. duh. we have been over this... a million times.

26. What are you listening to right now?
the fan...

27. What was the last thing you ate?
cookie. yumm.

28. Do you wish on stars?
i'm a dreamer... it comes with the territory.

29. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
hot pink.

30. How is the weather right now?
perfect. right now it's blowin in a storm. love that.

31. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
mi madre.

32. Favorite soft drink?
jack and root beer... wait, does that count?

33. Favorite restaurant?
oh man, so many. right now i'm loving press grille and bravo!

34. Hair color?
blonde...and i love it.

35. What was your favorite toy as a child?
barbies... if it was acceptable i'd still play with them. this is no lie.

36. Chocolate or Vanilla?
vanilla, please.

37. Coffee or Tea?
again, both.

38. The last time you cried?
last weekend during country strong... yes, it's that good.

39. What is under your bed?
clothes. clothes. more clothes.

40. What did you do last night?
girls night with my love, amy. and super in depth long chat with my other lovie {and roomie} missy. {yayyy for fab girlies in my life!}

41. What are you afraid of?
failure. heights. spiders.

42. Salty or Sweet?
sweet. of course.

43. How many keys on your key ring?
a lot.

50. Favorite day of the week?
um... saturday?

51. How many towns have you lived in?
three.


well, if you suffered through that i do hope it entertained you a little bit, kids!

happy thursday... it's beautiful out today! {at least in ohio!}

love always.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

0 is not a size.

a couple fabulous twitter ladies and i were mildly discussing body image the other day and it made me think of an episode of one tree hill {my favorite show - ever. but that's not the point} where during a fashion show Brooke{who is a designer} has a model walk down the runway sporting a t-shirt saying "0 is not a size."

i think this is an very extremely important message to convey these days. as woman{and men} we struggle daily with our bodies. does my tummy stick out a little further today? are my thighs touching? does my face look fat? these are all questions that we ask ourselves and our friends more often than not. we are all guilty of striving for some form of perfection... whatever that form may be. but why? why can't we be happy in our bodies? why is it that every morning i wake up and think "i must workout. i must watch what i eat." we have to stop and ask ourselves why we all feel so compelled to reach a scary form of perfection...

it's hard. believe me, i know. i'm guilty of all of these things more than anyone... but i think we need to strive to be confident in our own skin. instead of being skinny we need to shoot for "healthy"... we need not starve ourselves, workout to the point of exhaustion, go on crazy crash diets, take far too many laxatives or diuretics... if we want a cookie, eat it. {just not 10 of them} if you don't feel like working out for a day or two, don't. {you will survive.}

yea, it's all much easier said than done, i know that all too well. but i think it's a goal we need to give ourselves... to just learn to accept our bodies, to love the curves, to embrace our strength, to want to be the healthiest{not the tiniest} and best version of ourselves. we need to smile more - because that's what really counts. smiling, health, happiness. not the size of jeans we wear.

body image issues are very serious.
10 million females and 1 million males suffer from an eating disorder.
80% of women aren't happy with their bodies.
for females 15-24, anorexia is the main cause of death; 12x greater than all cancers.

those are some scary statistics. any of the women{or men} you see on a daily basis could be suffering from a body image issue. so maybe instead of being so critical of ourselves and everyone else's bodies we should channel that energy into helping each other feel better about ourselves. to feel more confident in our own skin. smiles help. compliments are nice. both... are even better.

that's my challenge to you... try for just one day to not be so obsessive about the way you look. sincerely compliment someone else. focus on being healthy{mind and body}. not on being a size 0.


will you accept this challenge? 
will you pass it on to urge others to stop obsessing at least for a day?

happy wednesday, lovelies.

love always.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Lack of passion is fatal.

I can't remember a day when I didn't have a passion for something. Namely, fashion. But mixed in with a combination of many other things. {All of which make me, me.}

I don't know, I just can't imagine not having that intense love for something, to not have that thing that you can always escape to when the outside world isn't dealing you favorable cards...

Put me at a sewing machine, styling someone, flipping through a fashion magazine, reading countless style blogs, designing... and I'm completely in my own world. And I love it there...

Do you have a passion? What is it?

Happy Tuesday, dolls!

Love always.


Windows open. Breeze blowing.

I'm sitting here with the windows open, the breeze blowing, listening to the Zac Brown Band {shush, don't judge me}, enjoying this beautiful 76 degree day, and I think it's safe to say that spring may finally be here. I know, I know... we are in Ohio, it could very well start snowing by morning {in which case I'm packing my suitcase and peacing out of this state} but... I'm going to be hopeful and say it's here to stay! {YAYY!! Doing a happy dance!!}

I'm so beyond ready for bonfires, dresses, sandals, dinners on the patio, talking walks, running outside, birthday season, MY birthday {feel free to begin thinking about my presents...hehe just playin'...kinda;)}, memorial day, the beginning of summer, windows open... you get the idea right? I'll stop now.

Ok, getting back to the point...I know I have been talking about spring fashion since well... last spring, probably. {if you haven't realized this yet, here is one fun fact about myself... I hate winter.} But I have really been inspired by all the color out this spring. It's giving me the "go spring clothes shopping itch" - have you ever gotten that? It's bad... real bad... So in order to soothe the itch I did a little cyber window shopping... and I'm dying for everything coral this season...

Here's a little peek of all my fun coral finds...
{also check out my friend Kori over at Blonde Episodes for her take on this fabulous spring color}


I want to drink coffee out of this mug... I think it would just taste even better.

 {heatherberry}
I think I'd wear these every day.


{modcloth}
Are you swooning yet? I know I am. I seriously could have gone on and on about this beautiful hue, BUT... I didn't want to bore you to tears... or for you to get COD {coral over dose} and run out to the mall and buy anything and everything in this color... we have to save some for everyone... ;)

What's your favorite color this spring??

Have a fabulous Monday, loves. I do hope the weather is great whereever you are this week!

Love always.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Saturday morning.

As I'm lying in bed doing my usual check up on the world I came across Ruche's new designer. And I am dying!!!!! I want, need, love, have to have this dress/jacket combo.

I think I'd pair it with different shoes... I'm not completely sold on the socks and heels combo yet. Maybe a pair of neutral wedges and a rosette headband...

I have my dear friend's wedding to attend in a couple weeks and I think this may be the perfect ensemble!

What do you think?

Happy Saturday, lovelies!

Love always.


Friday, April 8, 2011

Chapter 2 -- 6 hour phone call.

6 hour phone call.

As you can imagine the thought of E having a girlfriend didn’t sit well with me. I was at a loss, I didn’t know how to handle the situation anymore. I was torn. One part of me knew that if we continued talking and getting to know each other I was on a dangerous (and also wrong) path to getting hurt or hurting someone else. The other part of me (the hopeless romantic with a strong belief in “movie” love part) thought that maybe he was the “one.” That there was a reason we met and connected the way we did.

So what did I do?

E and I continued to get to know each other. We talked everyday, he told me about his girlfriend - he never hid it from me. Which I respected to an extent, but I also knew at the same time that I was treading on thin ice. {As a side note - I do not condone the behavior of E and I. But as I have come to learn, none of us are perfect and there is no such thing as “perfect timing.” I have many other thoughts on this and situations similar - but you have to wait for those. Continue reading at your own risk.}

Anyhow, E and his girlfriend, C, weren’t doing too well (shocking, I know!). They had been having issues long before he and I ever met.

{Theory #1 - You don’t just happen to meet and become attracted to another person without reason. If you are married, dating, or in some sort of relationship and you meet someone else that you can’t stop thinking about - there’s a reason. And it’s not always the obvious one (sex). It’s that something is missing in your current relationship; whether it be a deep emotional connection, someone to be silly with, someone to enjoy the same activities as you, a spiritual connection, or even a sexual connection. Something is missing. And when you by chance meet someone who fulfills that missing piece - it’s hard to tear yourself away. Essentially, you want to have your cake and eat it too. You don’t want to leave the person you’re with because they’re so important to you, but this new person is so intriguing. It becomes complicated, and in all honesty, you can’t really judge the situation until you are placed in it. Until you know that feeling.}

E and I would spend hours upon hours on the phone each night. We quickly became best friends. We had an instant connection and it ran deep. I knew it was only a matter of time before it became that complicated situation that I was talking about - and it did. Quickly. After a few months of talking to him daily, I started to develop feelings for him. Yes, I should have ran right then and there. But I didn’t. Throughout the next 365 days, 12 months, 1 year we went through a lot of rocky moments. We fought, we laughed, we cried, we kissed (and that was the moment I knew).

“Knew what?” You ask… I guess you are just going to have to come back to find out. So if you haven’t judged me too harshly and are still interested in the story, check back. Pour another glass of wine. (I think I need one too!)

Have a good weekend kids!

Love always.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

What I'm wearing {I need to do laundry}

Please excuse my poor photogenic qualities. But I did like what I was wearing...


earrings - vintage circa 1985
cardigan - old school AE
dress - JcPenney last spring
leggings - a swap from Missy
flats - target

I need to do laundry. All my staple clothes that I usually wear are dirty... so in the midst of a splitting headache this morning... this is what I threw on. I never thought I'd wear white leggings. Ever. But, I do like them under dresses {I would never wear them as I wear my black ones - with everything!}. They brought a little bit of spring to the outfit. Honestly, this lil ensemble was like wearing sweats but looking chic doing it. it was so comfy. Just more proof that you can still look cute {in my humble opinion} and be super comfy.

Happy Thursday, Dolls.

Love always.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

{Semi} wordless wednesday.

Photobucket
 

My favorite time in fashion - the 50's.








 Do you have a favorite fashion era?

Love always.

**Link up to Blonde Episodes  and Flip Flops and Pearls blogs today. Share your {Semi}Wordless Wednesday.**

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Here Kitty, Kitty...

Animal prints of all kinds are HUGE for spring.

 The animal print trend dates back many decades. If worn correctly I do think these prints can become as classic as the little black dress or a pair of great fitting jeans.

The items below are a few of my favorites.
All from the fabulous online boutique Lulu*s.



So will you let your inner animal out? 
Will we be seeing you rocking some animal print pieces this spring?? 

Have a wonderful Tuesday, Pretties!

Love Always.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Timing is everything.

No pictures. No music Monday. Just me, writing...

I've had the saying "timing is everything" stuck in my head all night. I know its because I went and saw Country Strong again. {Side note - amazing movie. Seriously, go see it.}
But anyhow, there's a song performed in the movie titled, "timing is everything" and its so true. I keep thinking about how everything in life goes back to that... if I would have been a second early or late... would that have changed it all? Just altering the slightest of moments could completely change the world around you.

Now, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason {I've mentioned this several times before, I know.} And I think they go hand in hand...

Life is all timing, chances, and reasons... the school you choose and the job you don't get; the amazing friends you make and old friends you lose; the falling in with someone and the realization of disdain for something; the first and last breaths we take. But... I think its all the in-betweens that really, truly matter... like how not getting the job you were lusting over ended up leading you to the job you didn't know you would love. How losing your oldest and dearest friends led you to some of the most amazing people you've ever known. And that falling out of love with someone would you bring you to falling in love with something else...

I do believe timing is everything. And I believe we need to make the most of our time... enjoying those we were blessed with, not dwelling on those that leave. Diving head first into things we love, not slowly half-assing things we hate. Smiling a little more, feeling sorry for ourselves a little less...

You never know when that one second could change it all...

I apologize for my nonsensical ramblings. {It's late, er, early...I can't sleep... and my mind is just in la la land.}

Love always.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Dolce & Gabbana

As long as I have been interested in fashion {which has been a long time...} I have had a love affair with Dolce & Gabbana.

Everything about them embodies my favorite aspects of style. Lace. Leopard print. Edgy. Girlie. Vintage inspired silhouettes. Timeless colors and styles. I have never not been in love.

And this ad campaign for Spring '11 is no different... I'm dying, so in love with it.

What do you think? Do you love it? Hate it? Who's your favorite designer??

Enjoy your Sunday, loves.

Love always.





Saturday, April 2, 2011

A little flashback.

Happy Saturday, loves!!

Not a lot going on today. Feeling a lil under the weather. Booo... I'm so ready for the weather to get its act together.

I found some old college photos... {I have sooooo many more somewhere, just need to locate them!} And I thought I'd share a few with you...

Seems like a lifetime ago...

Have a fabulous day!

Love always.