It’s finally arrived!! The day I’ll spend with a fabulous group of women at P. Allen Smith’s dreamy Moss Mountain.

I can’t wait to see what fun Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has for us. We’ve all been buzzing with excitement. ( and a wee bit stressing over what to wear.)

Want to join the fun?

Follow me on Twitter at @bootsmc and follow all of us giddy girls, Our host P.Allen Smith, and the fabulous Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board at hashtag #Bean2blog.

There’s also a Pinterest board set up to see all the lovely bloggers.

Of course, I’ll be blogging for the next few weeks about all the fab things we learn. I’m even toting the ol 5d along to catch some pretty pics. You won’t want to miss it.

With a little farm flair, a fab pair of walking boots, and the ultimate garden guide

we are sure to have SOY much fun!

Cheers Y’all!

Boots

Yet, Thursday I found myself in conversation with several friends who wondered MY thoughts and favorites on the Oscars’ Red Carpet this year.

The conversations sparked the idea, this would be a great time to hopefully kick Favorite Things Fridays back into existence here on the ol blog.

I never know if it’s better to count down or just start off with the favorite.

It’s my blog.

I almost always read the last page of the book first…so I’ll start with my very Favorite Oscar 2012 look of all.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli.

Seriously, y’all. How could you not know this is my FAVORITE?!!!

It’s a scrumptious shade of cardinal red and it has a big ol bow. Enough said.

I love it. It’s perfect. I want it in my closet.

~

Next in line, is the fun flirty Louis Vuitton worn by Michelle Williams.

That coral hue is stunning. The detailing of ruffles, the peplum, and the bow brooch at her waist.

Not to mention the contrast of a pink hand bag. It’s just sweet & demure.

~

My next favorite look at the Oscars… TOM!!!

Now, together, in your best Father of the Bride wedding planning Franz accent

“Is he wearing a NAVY tux-a-do? Armani doesn’t make a Nah-vy tux-a-do. “

Apparently, Georgio has come around since 1992 and ol cutie patootie Tom rocked the midnight blue.

But really, the tux is ok. It’s cut well. But it’s not about the tux. (And I definitely don’t care about Katie. She looks fine and all)

What I really want to know is where is this fountain of youth from which Tom drinks? He did not look this young in MI3, y’all.

Is this transformation the result of some anti-aging Dianetics kool-aid or a great secret surgeon.

Three movie sequels and I guess Tom can accomplish the impossible?

Whatever it is – he looks like Top Gun Tom. Maverick. Good ol’ Pete Mitchell is back.

swoon.

~

Next up and last in my official Red Carpet favorites:

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

I definitely do not think these pictures do this dress justice. This is one of my all time favorite colors.

I had a prom dress this color in eighth grade. It was Jessica McClintock. It was strapless, with tiered ruffles with beaded detailing around the top.

I’m pretty sure Vera was inspired by it to make this version. Lucky for Viola, her mom didn’t make her sew dorky spaghetti straps on it.

It’s still a sore subject. Little does mom know, I tucked them in my dress when I wore it again that summer for a band camp formal.

Yeah, I wore strapless dress. And a boy asked to hold my hand that night. I guess strapless dresses are more alluring.

( Dear Mom – Before you feel I disobeyed… just remember, my brother, your precious middle son had to secretly replace ALL the living room and dining room carpet after a party he threw while you & dad were on vacation. Let’s just keep things in perspective. )

~

Ok… now we’re getting to some gorgeous and FUN dresses.

The After Party

Claire Danes in Valentino

She looks amazing in this watermelon hue. J’adore this ultra feminine look with the ruffles, the polka dots.

It just screams happy girly girl.

LOVE!

~

Next up, at the party and after a quick costume change, a favorite award goes again to

Emma Stone. This time in Chanel Couture

I have a thing for black illusion – not gonna lie. I’m definitely a product of the 90s.

I love when an elegantly prim dress throws a peek-a-boo curve ball.

~

Another costume change…

One that I think was way better than her red carpet look.

Cameron Diaz in Victoria Beckham.

Orange you glad you changed, Cameron? I mean this cut and color look phenomenal with her lean physique and her coloring.

That silver here-to-eternity zipper is a to die for detail.

This is just down right sexy in a fun way. And that’s the best way to be sexy – in my opinion.

(i.e. Angelina is scary sexy. Scary sexy is not fun. Just ask her left leg. )

~

Last, and certainly not least —

Kate Bosworth in Prabal Gurung

See, I told you I had thing for black illusion and sexy fun. The beading, the illusion, the belt.

This is just a perfect party dress especially when you have gams like hers.

Oh, And I’m totally coveting those 120mm Louboutin Pigalles.

Yeah, those shoes are on my incentive list this year when I hit a few of my 2012 goals. They’ll be mine in a few more weeks. Lord willin.

I don’t need a golden statue, I’m happy with the shoes.

So there you go, Thanks for tuning into the 1st ever Favorite Things Friday dedicated to the Oscars.

Hooray for Hollywood for bringing the style this year.

Hooray, it’s the weekend!

Hope you have a happy, glamorous weekend no matter what color carpet you tread.

xxoo,

boots

(images via Pinterest )

She wants the best for her six children, her  entire family,  her friends,  Her community.  Her country.  Our world.

She believes in the power of women.

She believes in the power of prayer.

Lemay Gbowee had a dream.   A dream to bring the women of her country together to pray for peace.

Praying for peace sounds easy.  Doesn’t it?

For most of us that means,  we curl up in our comfortable warm beds, next to our electric lamps,  we close our eyes and pray for peace.  Peace that our children will get along, that a co-worker will see things our way,  that anxiety over a test will pass, or that our Congress will actually agree on something.   For Lemay Gbowee,  peace meant ending a 14 year war that lured 8 year old boys into a dictator’s army which killed 250,000 people, saw 3/4 of the women of her country raped,  and left nearly a third of Liberia homeless.

Prayer.

She began a peaceful protest with prayer.  Women saw her bold faith.  They joined her.  Prayer continued.  Until the day their government could no longer ignore them.

It’s a powerful story.  One that you can see for yourself this Friday night.   Abigail Disney ( grand-niece of Walt Disney)  discovered Lemay’s journey and directed this incredible tale of boldness in the movie “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”.

On October 21st, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has invited Abigail Disney to be the keynote speaker at their annual Power of the Purse luncheon.  Later that evening at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce,  WFA will host a limited seating screening of “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”. Abigail Disney will be in attendance and  has graciously offered to provide Q&A after the viewing.

It will be a dynamic night of women and hope.

I happen to have two tickets to the event.   (A waiting list has been started at WFA, if you want to get your name on the list)    OR    If you would like to grab my two extra tickets,  leave a comment below.  I will choose a recipient randomly by 6am Central time Thursday morning.    (Yes, random picking at a random time because I will be at a conference on the east coast, which I pray ends in time for me to make it back to LR for this event.  I want to meet Abigail,  I want to see this movie, and I want to see my blog friends in real life)

Of all the events I’ve been asked to a participate in planning / chairing ,  this has been one of the most rewarding.   I asked a few women who I believe embody the same beliefs of Lemay to spread the word.  Ladies who want a better world for our children, who believe in the goodness of women, and  know the power of prayer.    All of them have written amazing blog posts to promote this event and I hope that you will take a moment to stop by and get to know each of their blogs.

Thank you, Sarabeth Jones, Amy Bradley-Hole, Jerusalem Greer, Tonya Oaks Smith, and Savannah Butler for sharing your caring hearts and never failing to move me with the power of your  pens….or keystrokes.   I admire you all.

xxoo,

boots

It’s time for one of my favorite events of the year,  The Annual First Lady’s Tea .

Don your hats, your gloves,  and invite the first ladies of your life to join you on May 15th in the gardens of the Governor’s Mansion.

Tea, scrumptious delights, garden tours, and a scavenger hunt for the little ones await.   This ladylike affair benefits the Friends of the Mansion who work to preserve and restore our gorgeous Governor’s Mansion and grounds.

May 15, 2011

2-4pm

Tickets:   $50 adults,   $25 for children (6-18 years)

Wear your best tea attire – Hats and gloves encouraged

Gloves provided for children

Reserve your tickets or table of 8 by going online at friendsofthemansion.org or calling 501.324.9805

Fashion,  Food,  Paris.     These are a few of my favorite things.    Which means, I  couldn’t be more thrilled to be co-chairing the 23rd Annual  Centers of Fashion Show benefitting the Bess Chism Stephens Community Center –  a division of Centers for Youth and Families.   The evervescent Merri Chandler and I – along with an amazing team of hostesses, volunteers, and the incredibly talented staff of the CFYF Foundation are putting the final touches on a fun new spin to this beloved event.     I am so thankful to our list of gracious sponsors that are sure to make the night special.   Dillards, Inc will be presenting a Springtime in Paris style show.     We’ll get some first looks at gorgeous clothes, handbags…and of course – SHOES!

While it has been so fun to pull all of this together,  the best part has been learning more and more about Centers and their services.   I am amazed at this stalwart organization by all the many ways they serve this community to enrich the lives of children.      I had the privilege to tour their facilities and my heart will never be the same.

I was blessed to live in a home with two parents who cared for me.  I had a roof over my head.  I never lacked a meal.   My mom always took me shopping for new school clothes.   My life was easy.   This isn’t the case for many children in our community.    By joining us on April 17th at 6pm at the Argenta Community Theater,  you will have the opportunity not for just a fashion show and a night out with friends — but to make the life of a child a little easier.  Giving shelter for a night.   A Hot meal.   Hope.

Jeff Daily produced  the  beautiful film embedded below that tells the story of  Centers for Youth and Families.   Be sure to watch it.   Then,  join us on Sunday,  April 17th.

Delicious Food and fun Cocktails will begin at 6pm at the chic new Argenta Community Theater.  Valet Parking.  Tickets are a mere $50. You may purchase them at   www.centersforyouthandfamilies.org

I hope to see you there.

Cheers,

boots

xxoo

Believe it or not,  designers have already revealed evening looks for  Pre-Fall 2011.   I took a quick spin through the collections to view some of my favorite designers Monique Lhuiller,  Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera,   Reem Acra, Oscar De La Renta, and Valentino. Colors range from jewel tones to metal inspired hues.   These are definitely looks that would inspire me to dance all night.

Monique Lhuiller is a designer whose gowns make me swoon.  Without fail, everytime I see the dreamiest bridal gown she is the creator.   The same is true of her evening gowns

You may recognize this next beauty from the Golden Globes.  Catherine Zeta Jones wore this and by far it was my favorite dress of the night.  That color!!

Jason Wu has garnered much attention for dressing the First Lady.   This was my favorite gown of his pre-fall collection.   The detailing and color combination are subtle and regal.  Although the accoutrements required underneath may pose a challenge.

Carolina Herrera long known for her ladylike details surprised me with this fun, flirtatious look.  Perfect for a young, slim, brunette, don’t you think?   In other words – old curvy blondes like me, don’t even think about it. 

I absolutely love this piece by Reem Acra.  The color and the the shrug are the epitome of understated elegance.

When it comes to elegance,  no one does it better than Oscar De La Renta.   I think one could get away with wearing a short gown to a gala if ol Oscar Designed it.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Or go completely Marie Antoinette,  over -the-top in this beautiful pale gown.  Wow!

If a statement is what you are wanting to make,   I say you can never go wrong with RED

And when I think of the ultimate RED party gowns,  I always think of Valentino.   Here he pairs Red and ruffles.   Be still my heart!

You and I  may never win the award.  No one may ever hear our acceptance speeches.   We may not walk the Red Carpet.  But it’s  still ok to dream about it.

Now I’d like to thank the Academy for inspiring this blog post and to you the people for reading it.  :)

Cheers, Y’all.   May you have a warm, safe wintery weekend.

( and enjoy the quick playlist below for a dance in front of the fire with your honey)

Becky Clement’s Inspired by Nature team and her son the chief juxtaposeur Chris were responsible for the Country Club of LIttle Rock transformation.  Be sure to check out Chris’s amazing home finds at his store Clement in the cozy Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock.

The Dress

The Shoes:

Kate chose these Kate Spade Purple Satin wonders

And of course the necessary accessories

The Pearls

The Rings

The Shades

And the mini-Fans!

(given that it was unseasonably H-O-T  for mid June, these were a fantastic idea and counted as the brides “something blue”

The Bride & Groom

The Wedding Team

The Flowers

Phil Cato’s About Vase outdid themselves with these vibrant, happy arrangements of gerbera daises, roses, and fruit.

The Food

The Cakes ( with a side of gelato – yum!)

Of all the many decisions this couple made along the way,  it is obvious choosing each other was the best decision of all.

Kate and Kyle,  Thank you so much for giving Heather and me the opportunity to be part of your big day.   We wish you a lifetime of laughs and love together.

To see this enchanting event through Heather’s lens, click on over to her blog, Heather Owens Photography.

“When my Mother first dressed me in a hat as if I were a Lady, I owned the title.” – unknown

We attended a rather formal church where such accoutrements were not out of the norm. I wore them each Easter well into my twenties. I now attend a less formal church. Flip flops and jeans are acceptable for worship. Hats – well – that just may be TOO over the top. Still, I’m mad for a beautiful hat. They are the epitome of a lady. I often think of Eliza in My Fair Lady or Vivian in Pretty Woman how they were transformed with the right hat. Iconic pictures of Jackie O and Grace Kelly are of them in simple pillbox designs. Thankfully the new tradition of the First Lady’s Tea held at the Govenor’s Mansion each spring has given me new reason to find a fine piece of millinery. I was over the moon when my friend asked if I wanted to be part of the planning committee this year.

The event was held on a gorgeous spring day. Lady Grey Tea, Orange Blossom, and blueberry tea were accompanied with an array of tea sandwiches, tea cakes, and tarts. My wee contribution to the day was creating the “Forage through the Foliage” Garden Hunt that encouraged our younger ladies to explore the wonderous grounds our Govenor’s mansion: a family garden, a vegetable garden, the par terre garden blooming with roses, and the herb garden. Great fun was had by all ages. And I must say that although the roses in the garden were in full bloom, they paled in comparison to the beauty of the ladies in attendence in their gorgeous hats.

As for my hat, it was pink, ribboned, rose’d, and poofed. It is girly and I. love. it. So, for those flip flop wearing folks at my church, grace to you, my friends. I hope you’ll return the grace – I’ll be the one in the hat.

Un Noche Perfecto.   Flowers, Food,  Friends   –   ¿Que Mas? (what more?)     Last Friday evening I had the privilege of capturing how this seamlessly pulled together.   Inspired by Nature created a floral wonderland that would make anyone cry ¡Ole´!   The catering genius of Trios provided a Mexican feast that was beyond delicioso!    Even the mariachi band commented that the Chicken Enchiladas were the best they had ever had.  And don’t even get me started on the desserts.    Despite the threatening skies and the periodic torrential rains,  nothing could dampen the spirits and the love felt at this party hosted to encourage a young couple as they embark on their new life together.    Enjoy this peek at the fiesta!