School bells are ringing in a new year of leaning. Ah! The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the crispness of new folders, and a closet full of brand new clothes. I miss those days. In sixth grade, I began my tradition of wearing not-so-traditional denim on the first day of school – a practice I carried throughout graduate school.  That year I wore a denim pinafore that I thought looked smashing with my raspberry beret – apparently music played quite a role in my fashion sense. In 8th grade I wore a darling GUESS box pleated mini skirt. This was my favorite first day of school outfit of all time. I searched for the pic to post. Let’s just say the skirt was precious.

Denim is a great transitional fabric which moves one season to the next. Spring Fashion 2010 showed a return to more denim pieces mixed and matched and it’s a trend that is continuing through Fall 2010. Here are a few not-so-traditional  and traditional pieces I adore this season.

This dress is perfect paired with leather wedge sandals for warmer temps and would look ultra chic  layered over a long sleeve black tshirt with black tights and pumps for fall.

ABS - Saks Fifth Avenue

This skirt reminds me so much of the GUESS skirt I loved long ago.   Great with a slouch cream silk top this fall and layered with tights and ankle boots later in the season.  A perfect morning coffee with friends pick.

Leifsdottir

Take casual jeans Friday at the office to a whole new level with this pencil skirt.  White shirt + multiple strands of pearls = classic

Ann Taylor

It’s no secret that I adore bows,  so I LOVE this top.  Paired with camel corduroy jeans and English Riding boots wold take you from the stables, to the farmers market, to a fab tailgate soiree.

Ralph Lauren – LAUREN

Another spin on the Denim and cords look,  is this classic western cut blouse.  Kick this with Cowboy boots and tourquoise jewelry and you’re set for a day at the state fair.

Ralph Lauren – Blue Label

One of the more popular looks this year is the boyfriend jean.   I confess I must be getting older because I didn’t really want to pay BIG bucks for jean with rips and tears.  I found these at Ann Taylor loft for a steal…and now, I LIVE in these.    A white ruffled blouse and heels and I’m set for a day of running errands.Ann Taylor Loft

Who says denim has to be blue?  This Helmut Lang creation is a departure from the preppy, all American vibe.   These clean lines meet urban 80′s.  Don with Red lips, slicked back hair a little Robert Palmer “addicted to love” on the iPod  makes for a retro sexy date night on the town.

Saks Fifth Avenue – Helmut Lang

So you see, boys and girls,   with all these fabulous looks from which to choose,  we no longer have to wait for the school bell to ring for noteworthy A plus style.  And that, my friends, is pure JEAN-ius!

And yes, I realize my Favorite Things Friday is a wee bit late.  Tardy Slip noted.

Cheers Y’all!

Summer signifies a slower pace for most of us.   Lazing by the pool catching up on books we’ve wanted to read all year long.  In this day of social media, it’s been fun to see the names of books that my twitter friends have finished and recommend. I try to take note.   A few weeks ago my blogger friend, Jolly Goode Gal,  shared her summer reading on her nightstand.    (You’ll want to check the link to see her list as well as check out her blog – it’s one of my favorite sites!)

I’ve always been an avid reader.    Reading was in the air as I grew up in a town with one of the most quaint bookstores ever - That Bookstore in Blytheville. As a pre-teen it was called The Book Rack and it  is where I purchased every one of the Sweet Valley High Books before advancing to VC Andrews Flowers in the Attic series.   The store has become a destination for bibliophiles and new authors.    Not to mention it is a place that remains a stop for some guy named John Grisham.     I am thankful to Mary Gay Shipley – the owner – for putting my small southern delta hometown on the map for reading.

Earlier this week,  I already planned today’s post to be the books I’ve read this summer.     Then this morning, Don Miller ( one of my favorite inspirational writers)  blogged some startling facts about reading.    It appears not everyone grew up in a town with reading as a pastime and chief export.  Nor do folks spend their summer saturdays by the pool or time on business flights with a book in hand.   I’m shocked!    And I’m disheartened.    Miller states  70% of  Americans have not stepped in a bookstore in 7 years or that 80% of American Families did not purchase or read a book last year.     If you are reading this blog,  chances are you are not part of those statistics.    Whether you are part of these stats or not,  I hope my list inspires you to find a title that you want to pick up,  crack the spine, and enjoy.  ( and support the art of writing while you are at it!)   If my list ( coupled with the link above to Jolly Good Gal’s ) isn’t enough to inspire – then hop over to Don Miller’s blog today and see what a difference reading can make in your life…and the life of others.

I’ve amassed an eclectic mix of books this summer (starting in May)  with a heavy leaning towards Non Fiction.   I, also realize, my list may not be as astute as others –  which may explain why I’m a book club drop-out

The Summer At Tiffany by Majorie Hart :  a precious,  quick read.  perfect gift book

The Song is You by Arthur Phillips: an intriguing story of love and infatuation fueled by lyrics on an  ipod: note this is the only fiction I chose to read

What Happens when WomenWalk in Faith by Lysa Terkeurst: a practical bible study for busy women wanting to take a chance in life

I am not but I know I AM by  Louie Giglio: Giglio’s writing on faith  is straight foward, modern, and thought provoking and a good reminder – its not about ME. A good read for those in leadership roles.

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald: just like hanging out with a really cool girlfriend

Fifth Ave, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson: A behind the scenes look at the Making of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the birth of the modern girl

Desiring God by John Piper: my second time through this rich text of finding happiness in God

(Not Pictured)

Principle of the Pat by  Andy Stanley: a fresh, direct way of reminding us to keep our desired end in sight

The Encore Effect by Mark Sanborn:  delivering excellence in the performance of life.  ( a quick in-flight read with huge inspiration)

Blue Like Jazz by Don Miller: musing on Christianity from a non religious view – entertaining and insightful

Wicked by Gregory Macquire: the book, dark & tedious,  is nothing like the play of the same title which tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.  One of two books in my life I’ve wanted to quit

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: Anthropologie and Oprah highly recommended this book of one girl’s monthly to-do list to happiness

A Touch of Grace  by Cindy De La Hoz- How to be a Princess the Grace Kelly Way:    Confession – I bought it because I liked the title  and cover.

Currently Reading:

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Zappos CEO Tony Hseih

If you are wondering – yes,  I’ve read every single one of them this summer.  Do I always read this much?  Yes and No.   As I get back in the swing of public speaking, organizing a new ministry leadership team,  and a possible new business venture, my reading has increased.   Books inspire me.   If you want to borrow from my book shelf,  feel free to ask.    If you want to purchase a book,  Call That Bookstore in Blytheville and schedule a trip to my hometown.   You’ll be charmed for sure.

Lastly,  please feel free to leave further reading recommendations in the comments.  I’m always looking for my next great read.

Cheers and Happy Reading, Y’all!

“I love it when God tells the sky she’s beautiful and she blushes.”

From that moment on, I’ve been consciously aware of sunsets and the evening sky.  I can sit for hours and watch the watercolor effects  peak and then fade until  the stars and the moon appear.  I often wonder if its an age thing.  I really don’t remember being as mesmerized by God’s handiwork as a child.    In this last year of  my sunset observances,  I’ve come to realize just how rare PINK sunsets really are.  They don’t happen every day.  So,  I did a little research.   Scientifically speaking,  the colors of the sunset are created by the light reflected through the spectrum  ( remember the prism of light –  ROY G BIV we learned about in grade school science)  and the angle at which the clouds cause the light to bend.   Purples and blues have shorter wavelengths.  Reds and oranges have longer wavelengths.  As light scatters and is reflected amongst the clouds,  the shorter lengths don’t travel as far and the oranges and reds show up more brilliantly.   The rare pinks it seems, happen when there is more atmospheric dust  kicked up by storms and pollution.  These dirty particles reflect the light in all different directions and turn the sky PINK.

That got me thinking…

These beautiful pink skies….the sunsets I sit and enjoy the most – are because light is shining through a bunch of atmospheric junk.      The Creator of all things could choose to present this  spectacular  evening  light show in any fashion He chooses,  and yet this is how He casts the rosiest of light upon the world.

He does the exact same thing with us.   Storms happen in all of our lives.    Dust gets kicked up and we’re left with a lot of atmospheric junk.      When we choose to take that junk,  that unsettled dust in our lives,  and  we allow His Light and love to filter through it,  our lives suddenly become a glorious reflection of His creation and his grace.  When we embrace  that our mess is His message,  The Way, the Truth, The Light reflects off our dirty lives and casts a rosy glow of hope to the world,  REAL hope.  At that moment,  He looks at us and says –  we. are. beautiful.   I don’t know about you, but when the Creator  of all the Heavens can look at me and my dirt and say that, I can’t help but blush.

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.   God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.   If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you?   I’m putting you on a light stand.   Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven”

Matthew 5: 14-16,  The Message

As you read this today,  I’m on my way to a conference designed to help Christian writers and speakers find their voice in sharing God’s message.  I’m on a “standby list” to speak and be critiqued.   I can’t really tell you how I’ve ended up  with this as my summer vacation.  I don’t see myself as a writer or a speaker… But I’m going.  Out of faith.  Only He knows why I’ll be sitting there.   So, Pray I figure out why I’m there and I learn what I need to learn.   Pray for my safety.   I am thankful for you, my sweet friends.

Cheers and Love -

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil  is the official – albeit  taboo – scent of summer.   Drugstores still sell this.   Used as a scent and not as a sunblock, a few drops of this can unleash that carefree oceanside feeling even if you are stuck at your desk.

available at drugstores

Of course, to have that sunkissed look of  summer,   NARS Body Glow and Monoi Body Glow II  are essentials to achieving a subtle glow with a heavenly scent of gardenia and coconut.  NARS describes this as French Polynesian.  I say it sounds more Old South meets Tahiti.

NARS body glow, Sephora

In addition to the scent of the coconut,  I love the look of a coconut.  The rough grassy dark wood paired with crisp white is one of my favorite go-to looks for summer.    For at home entertaining,  I love  setting the table with these wooden serving pieces with a natural burlap table skirt and crisp white linens, mix in some tea lights for a little shimmer.

www.macys.com

As for dressing myself…

for day –  This little easy breezy dress from Calypso St Barth paired with long wooden beads, and kenneth jay lane bracelet for a little sparkle.

ruffle poet dress, calypso st. barth

Kenneth Jay Lane, Neiman Marcus

For a girls night out –  I might pair Calypso’s Dale Dress in White  with the coconut shell colored miu miu caged heels.

Dale Dress, Calypso St. Barth

miu miu, Neiman Marcus

And for a Junior League event or charity luncheon ( who says you can’t be a tropical lady?) – I absolutely adore this Haley Dress by Milly.   Pairing it with these wooden beads  in a style appropriatly called “Where we Ought to be”  from Elva Fields (one of my favorite new finds)

Haley Dress, www.millyny.com

Where We Ought To Be, Elva Fields

My sweet friends, if destinations are limited between down home and downtown for the next few weeks,  don’t despair, we can at least grab a little shimmer, scent, and coconut inspired fashion….maybe a pina colada or two… and dream of escape.

Cheers.

My “happy place” is a quaint white cottage nestled among rosemary, pink geraniums and pale roses.  From my bricked terrace, I see the rising mountains and the vast ocean.   A cool breeze carries the calming scent of lavender.  I hear the faint crashing of the waves.  It feels and looks like a dream – but this is reality –  at San Ysidro Ranch.

image courtesy of www.sanysidroranch.com

Two years ago,  The Angler and I planned a California get-away.  We knew we wanted to spend a few days in Santa Barbara.  I credit him for finding this jewel, a stone’s throw from Oprah’s beloved “Promise Land”.   Through his online research, he happened upon a rave review by the New York Times and emailed me the link to the article and a link to the ranch which has existed since 1893.    Of course,  I’m a girly girl – so the word “ranch” immediately threw me off.   Then,  I saw the pictures of the white cottages.  The landscape of roses and Provençal herbs.  I read  of the  newly completed $150 million renovation by owner Ty Warner ( as in Beanie Baby Ty).  The site was managed by Rosewood Resorts. ( think Mansion on Turtle Creek) I read the rich history. Vivian Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) married  Sir  Laurence Olivier here.  Jack and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here.   I was smitten.   I immediately called to check availability for our dates of travel.   Only one room was available.  (Thank you, God!)    Well,  actually two rooms/ cottages were available.  Werner Cottage, the 2200 square foot private residence with decor reminiscent of a european country house and all the amenities of a well appointed life was available for $5000 / night.    I booked the ranch room.

The day arrived when we left our mod beachy digs in San Diego to trek to our quaint cottage in Montecito.  As we made our way up the winding path to the Hacienda ( the main reception house) and I saw in real life  for the first time the beauty of the ranch, I was breathless.  We stopped the car to behold the splendor.  At once,  I called my mom and said,  ”I’m in a storybook! This looks like every fairytale!”   I hung up with her and we made our way an hour prior to check-in to the hacienda.  The staff offered us lemon bars made with lemon juice from their own trees.  Divine!   Then, because we were early to this destination and had yet to eat lunch,  our concierge called a quaint spanish eatery  in the heart of Montecito.   “Mr & Mrs Mc. are in town from Little Rock.  I am sending them your way.  Could you please seat them by the fireplace?  I know you will take extra special care of them”  We arrived and they did take extra special care of us.

The Hacienda

Back at the Ranch,  we were lead to our room beyond a teak arbor, up the rosemary, lavender steps.   Our bellman gave us the grand tour of the ammenties in our cottage room (including our personalized stationery)  and the directions of operation of  the fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and the fully stocked refreshment center.  California Olives, chips & salsa, pistachios, gourmet toffees,  a mini fridge stocked with diet coke.  (They knew me well).    All the goodies (excluding wine) were compliments of the house and restocked daily – or sooner – given my penchant for diet coke with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Our Ranch Room

I’m nearly embarrassed to admit, The Angler and I became squatters.   Once we reached San Ysidro, we did not leave the ranch the entire duration of our stay.    We toured the grounds.  We took naps.  After long, hot, AcquaDi Parma scented baths, we languished in thick terry robes beneath our Barefoot Dreams Blankets. We ordered rosemary lambchops  and mixed berry cobbler from the spectacular Stone House Restuarant on site and  ate them next to the fireplace in our room.  Handmade lavendar truffles with a fragrant herb and rose nosegay graced our pillows at bedtime. We enjoyed our morning omelettes and coffee on our private patio.  No places to see or times to get there.  The resort was our destination.   All in all,  the whole experience was a dream.  This is my happy place.

I’m not the only one who feels this way.  This week Travel + Leisure magazine named San Ysidro Ranch ” The Best Resort in the Continental US and Canada”. It is a well deserved distinction.  If you ever have the opportunity to visit,  I cannot recommend it enough.   Reservations can be secured online through their website www.sanysidroranch.com

From this tale, you may think The Angler and I are extravagant people.  In reality, we live a simple little life.   Sure, I may splurge on designer shoes every now and again. He may treat himself to another guitar.  We, as much as I hate to admit it, are rather frugal.   Which is why,  we are very thankful for the time we had at San Ysidro and cherish the memories.  We both agree  San Ysidro Ranch  is a luxury well worth every penny.    We look forward to returning in a few years.   Until then,  I see it in my dreams.

May you spend a few moments in your happy place in real life or in thought this weekend and while you do feel free to enjoy my dreamy playlist on the jukebox below.

Happy Weekend, Y’all!

{Dreamy Playlist:  Once Upon a Dream by Steve Tyrell;  Dream by Michael Buble;  Dream a Little Dream by  Diana Krall;  Dream by Priscilla Ahn;  I’ve Got Dreams to Remember by Otis Redding; Dreaming with a Broken Heart by John Mayer; A Kiss to Build a Dream on Steve Tyrell }

France has champagne.   Germany has beer.   Italy has wine.   The South,  well,  we have the most potent elixir of  them all…Sweet Tea.   Step into most any restaurant south of the Mason Dixon line and you are sure to find it on the menu.   In fact,  as part of an April Fool’s prank,  legislators in Georgia presented a bill in 2004 requiring any restaurant serving tea must serve Sweet Tea, and refusing to do so would result in a misdemeanor of  the code.   The bill never made it to vote, but the sentiment stands:  Sweet Tea is serious business.

Tea has a legendary status in the U.S. since we dumped  it in Boston Harbor in the late 1700′s — I do believe those leaves hitting the frigid northern waters was the first iced tea,  although the history books do not corroborate my hypothesis.   However, the recipe heralded as the first printed “sweet tea” recipe appeared in 1879 in a community cookbook  ”Housekeeping in West Virginia”  contributed by Marion Cabell Tyree.

“Ice Tea. – After scalding the teapot, put into it one quart of boiling water and two teaspoonfuls green tea. If wanted for supper, do this at breakfast. At dinner time, strain, without stirring, through a tea strainer into a pitcher. Let it stand till tea time and pour into decanters, leaving the sediment in the bottom of the pitcher. Fill the goblets with ice, put two teaspoonfuls granulated sugar in each, and pour the tea over the ice and sugar. A squeeze of lemon will make this delicious and healthful, as it will correct the astringent tendency.”

If like me, you read the recipe and thought , “Green Tea?! – That’s not at all how you do it”  Well,   green tea was the preferred tea of households until World War II, when rations made the more economical black tea, which we use today, more commonplace.   Growing up my grandmothers and mother always served sweet tea with all of our meals.    My grandmother would often sweeten to the point my dad would ask,  ”Did you stump your toe when you were adding the sugar”.  She made THE BEST iced tea.      The trick to delicious sweet tea, which my grandmother knew, is to add the sugar while the tea is still hot.   This allows super saturation of the sugar.   Sweetening after the tea is chilled can possibly be accomplished using simple syrup or artificial sweetener.  It’s impossible to achieve the proper sweetness if trying to add granulated sugar to the cold beverage.   You basically end up with a pretty little snowglobe of sugar and ice cubes.

The Proper Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

3 Family size tea bags – ( I prefer Luzianne)
2 Cups of cold water
1 Cup of sugar

Place the two cups water in a saucepan or teapot and add the tea bags. Bring to a boil, do not continue boiling.

Remove from heat and let steep. Pour warm tea into empty pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill remaining pitcher with cold water.

If that is just too much work for a relaxing beverage,  there are some great ready-made options waiting in your grocer’s chiller in gallon jugs. In fact, my favorite is a no-calorie option that lets me indulge without the guilt- Milo’s Sweet Tea sweetened with Splenda.  Milo’s was introduced to Little Rock and other southern markets  last summer.  It’s been an Alabama favorite since the 1940′s.  Their company history is worth a read. ( Not to mention it is certified as  a woman owned company)   The taste is amazingly crisp and  one would never guess it is (hush yo mouth) sweetened with splenda.

www.milostea.com

Now if you love sweet tea so much, you, like me, think you can bathe in it,   well guess what –  you can!   Elizabeth W.  Indulgences from San Francisco makes a line of sweet tea body wash, lotion, bath salts, and home fragrances to. die. for.

Starting mid May until Labor Day,  I soak away my summer days in a tub full of the Elizabeth W Sweet Tea Bath Salts, followed by a good slather or Sweet Tea Body Cream.   The aroma is “gracious, spirited, elegant. An enticing marriage of oriental black teas, juicy fresh Amalfi lemons, and the sweetness of almond honey”.

www.elizabethw.com

ANd if you think,  ”this tea is so delicious, I could eat it with a spoon”,  again you are in luck.    Martha Hall Foose,  a great southern culinary /storytelling wonder,  has a cookbook just for you.   This gorgeous book is riffled with stories of the south and recipes that would make a “bulldog hug a hound and a preacher lay his Bible down”.  In other words,  they are yummy!   Especially her Sweet Tea Pie Recipe which makes purchasing the book well worth it.

I would be remiss, if I did not disclose perhaps the greatest beverage discovery since… well sweet tea.   For those of you who like a little more sass in your sweet tea,  let me introduce you to my friend Jeremiah Weed.     JW is well  known among the Air Force for his bourbon.  Last summer,  he became quite a hearthrob amongst my  southern girlfriends when he created Jeremiah Weeds Sweet Tea Vodka. Adding 1 1/2 ounces Sweet Tea Vodka to 6-8oz of lemonade makes a fun, delicious cocktail.  Served with a wedge of lemon in a crystal ice tea goblet, I’m convinced Carrie Bradshaw can keep her cosmo.

Lastly,  if I haven’t given you enough reason to enjoy a cool refreshing beverage,   tea contains antioxidants that have been linked to improved immunity against diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.  A slice of lemon ( the asorbic acid) helps increase the antioxidant absorption.    So what are waiting for,  it’s the weekend.  Kick off those manolos, sit a spell,  and relax with a hot bath and ice cold sweet tea  (vodka optional)

Cheers y’all!

P.S.

~ Enjoy a little music by listening to my sweet tea playlist below

she dined on ruffle cake

served on frilly plates

set on ruffled tables.

she sunbathed in a ruffled suit.

she kicked back in her jeans and ruffled shirt.

she attended parties in her frilly dress…

where she liked to kick up her ruffled heels.

After tons of fun, she would take a hot bath and slip into her ruffled chemise

and fall into her ruffled bed

and read her ruffled bedtime story.

Then she would close her day with a prayer,

“Lord, thank you for all the ruffled things in life. May my feathers never be one of them”

It seems like yesterday,  I would dash to the neighbor’s pool with a beach towel and a brown bottle of tropical oil.  You know the one …  no spf but full of the yummy scent of summer.   Every now and then,  I’d sneak a few sprays of my friend’s Sun-In for those golden highlights.    Classic Rock – which was considered “classic rock” even back then –  played on the radio.   Ahh.    Summer.

Today, I still enjoy lazing by the pool when I get the chance.  Although, my sun-loving accoutrements, I must say,  have multiplied.

Let’s start with the bag.   There are a myriad of cutie patootie bags out there in at all price points.   Mine happens to be this fab oilcloth bag.  Pick your pattern.  I’ve added a monogram to mine…because I’m southern and we do that to EVERYTHING.     I love that the fabric is durable and doesn’t get soaked when the “can-non-ball!”  madness ensues.

www.maryjanebags.com $40

How supercute would it be in this fabric:

bobbie brown spray sunscreen

On my lips,  I opt for kiehls lip balm spf 15 in hue 30.

Its a far cry from  sun in,  but my highlights now cost a wee bit more and I try to take care of them.     Which means, I also  keep a wide tooth shower comb and biolage sun hair conditioner in my bag if I do decide to take a dip in the pool.  Most of the time, I’m less about splashing around these days,  I take a wide brimmed hat to shade me from the sun and opt for that hollywood mystique.   Lets face it – Since nothing about a swimsuit leaves much to mystery, I can at least try to hide my identity.

www.anthropologie.com $28

bed bath and beyond $12

Roberta Roller Rabbit $70

For years in my little professional office world ( and off-and-on since 5th grade for that matter), my hairstyle of choice was the sleek blond bob. It served it’s purpose. Clean. Easy. All American.

When my birthday rolled around last year, I suddenly realized the “women over 40 shouldn’t have long hair” deadline was looming a few years away. Couple that with the timing of my “creative sabbatical”, it was the perfect opportunity to grow out my classic coif one last time. Long hair does allow versatility that I’ve embraced. Curling. straightening. beachy waves. Mod -sleek . Of all looks, my favorite hairstyle is … the ponytail. Several fashion shows this spring featured high ponytails. They are a welcome change from the ladylike lower ponytails of the past. Plus more and more celebrities are stepping out wearing jeans or ballgowns with the classic “do”.

image via www.thisisglamorous.com

image via www.instylemag.com

Tricks to make this hairstyle look more party than poolside requires the right tools. Backcombing ( otherwise known as “ratting” / teasing) hair with a “lift” comb and SUPER hold hairspray, smoothing hair back and securing it high on the head ( avoid the bump-it look, please) will achieve the look.

One of the makeup / hair artists I’ve worked with on several photo shoots swears by SAMY Fat Hair 0 Calories. Personally, she’s used it time and time again on my fine hair when I’ve attended special events. I must say, not only does it have great hold – everytime I use this dollar store spray The Angler raves about the scent. ( Kinda makes me wonder why I bother with expensive French parfum when the $12 hairspray will suffice)

via www.instyle.com

For a more relaxed vibe, I love this whispy, Bridgette Bardot inspired ponytail above. A partial part down the middle allows hair to frame your face and bring attention to eyes and cheekbones. Goody makes great clear elastics or elastics especially for brunette or blond hair that make it easy to firmly secure the pony at ear level.

Surprisingly, I’ve also found myself opting for the side ponytail for a couple of dressier events, lately. At one point I thought, “that’s totally 80′s” Then I saw a few friends with their curled hair spilling over a bare shoulder. Quite an elegant, stunning look. So, I did what all good friends do, I copied them. Its definitely a much cooler option for outdoor celebrations and controls the fly-away frizziness southern humidity inflicts.

So, when you get a chance to attend a summer party with friends where you can relax and let down your hair. why not pull it up in the perfect ponytail.

Hope you have a fabulous father’s day weekend ahead of you.

Hugs & Cheers, Y’all!

As a child,  my mom always had perfumed powdered on her bathroom vanity.   After a long, bubble bath, I would douse the lavish puff then myself with the scented talcum. What fun to make such a fragrant mess.    Honestly,  as an adult,  I had forgotten all about this until I happened across  Hové Perfumed Powder – a true southern treat. Founded in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey King,  this perfumer is still distributing scents of the south from their boutique on Royal Street in New Orleans.  My favorite varieties are the Spanish Moss and Tea Olive.   Its a big treat for a small price and makes for a great “happy” gift for a friend.    In Little Rock,  you can snag 1.8 oz shaker of this NOLA decadence for $25 at B. Barnett.

If you want a more modern or classic scent,  Prada,  Quelques Fleurs ( my standard scent of choice), and Acqui di Parma also have dusting powder options available at higher price points available  at Neimans.   Whatever your choosing – a layer all over  keeps skin dry, silky, and lightly scented all day.    It’s a nice departure from the heaviness of lotions and parfums that stick in humid air.    I must  warn you – if you go with my current fave- the New Orleans bred Hové Powder – You’ll probably find yourself also wanting beignettes for breakfast – dusted with powdered sugar,  of course.

Cheers!