What We Wore: Polka Dots & Seersucker

what we wore: seersucker suit – bespoke vintage, shoes – asos, bow tie – handmade by my grandma, shirt – banana republic, dress – vintage christian lacroix via cheap thrills, platforms – jeffrey campbell (also wore them on my wedding day!), earrings – vintage from mae’s, cocktail ring – kate spade, clutch – tj maxx

A couple of weeks ago, Ro and I went to New Orleans for the wedding of a friend. I knew it would be a chic affair so the outfit planning began months ago.
On Ro: My mom found this seersucker suit at a thrift store and bought it for one of my brothers. They were not interested so she gave it to Ro. Coincidentally, it fit him beautifully. I learned how to tie a bow tie for the occasion so that he could wear one of my papa’s (my grandma made a bow tie to match every dress).

On me: I found this dress by accident at cheap thrills. Harriet (the proprietor) was showing me a full length leopard fur in the back room and I spied this adorable polka dot number. I asked about it and she said it wasn’t exactly for sale but she’d lend it to me. I tried it on and we both agreed that I had to have it. So, out of the goodness of her heart, she sold it to me.
We had a fabulous time.

The Best Skirt/Dress

what I wore (previously): skirt – esque, belt/blouse – vintage via cheap thrills, earrings – charm & chain, ring/bangle – mom’s, bangle – house of harlow, sandals – lovely people, necklaces – vintage via mae’s
There is a lovely local designer in NWA called Leslie Pennel, her line is esque. I was lucky enough to pick up the above (what I thought was a) skirt from her line at Cheap Thrills.

I loved it as a skirt and while I am typically good at seeing the many ways one item can be worn, it was lost on me. The designer was nice enough to enlighten me to it’s many uses, which I utilized at the beach. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that we can wear the things in our closets in so many different ways.

what I wore: dress – esque by leslie pennel via cheap thrills, belt – vintage, arm party – mae’s/vintage/dannijo

What I Wore: Pretty in Plaid

what I wore: dress – vintage penny rosenfeld via cheap thrills (seen here), heels – jessica simpson, cateye sunnies – asos

This is one of my favorite dresses. I had a moment when I spotted it, like it had to come home with me no matter the price tag. I love the color, the silhouette, the waist-cinch, the length, neckline, skirt. I mean….I love it. I haven’t worn it since last summer and I’m so happy to see it/wear it again. I think it’s really important for those of us who love clothes to always be on the lookout for items that make us feel more like ourselves.

Summer Essentials

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It’s been very warm and wonderful in Arkansas and it’s starting to feel like summer. Here are a few trends I’m looking forward to trying during the glorious warm days.

backless

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extra wide brim

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cropped

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nude sandals

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ultra long locks

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lots of jewels

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colorful heels

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picnics

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headwraps

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images via pinterest

What I Wore NWAFW: Lamé Perfection

what I wore: dress – unlabeled vintage from trendy mindy’s, heels – nine west, earrings – forever 21, bag vintage,
Last Friday at NWAFW, I wore a dress I’ve been dying to wear since I purchased it a few months ago. It’s gold/green/blue lame with sequins and a nude panel, so it’s not exactly the kind of thing you can wear out on a random night. My husband had to practically sew me into it (and rip me out!) but it was totally worth it. There was really no better place to don it than a fashion function and no less than one minute after I walked through the door, a girl asked if she could take my picture. Talk about validation!

Happy Mardi Gras

Me on the right, 2007

Every year during carnival season, I wonder (more than usual) why I ever left New Orleans. The city is really so different than any other place in the country. Once you fall in love, you start a life-long affair with the place. Who couldn’t love a city that shuts down for a party?
So, although it’s just another Tuesday in Fayetteville, I’m wishing everyone a happy mardi gras! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

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Mardi Gras 2006

BON WEEKEND!

a real party

Happy weekend! Enjoy every minute of it!

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You can find more of my favorite images on pinterest http://pinterest.com/paytonvail/pins/

What I Wore: A Favorite Dress

what I wore: dress – a favorite find from grey dog, tights – target, heels & earrings – forever 21
I was so excited to find this dress at Grey Dog. I know the feather earrings might be out, in fact I was never really into the trend but these work so perfectly with the colors, it was a must. I love this sweet dress so much for it’s versatility. I’ve already worn it with boots and knee-high socks, now with tights and heels and I know I’ll pull it out in warmer weather with a strappy sandal.

Weekend Joie De Vivre

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Thank heaven it’s the weekend again! These images are cultivated on my pinterest. I’d love it if you’d follow me there: http://pinterest.com/paytonvail/.

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Dreaming of Outdoor Living

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There’s nothing like pinterest to remind us all what we want and haven’t got. In the depths of January, despite our warmer than normal temperatures, I can’t get my mind off summer and pools and dream backyards with green grass. Typical. On Friday afternoons, my mind often wanders to what my plans would look like if it were May-August…
Suffice it to say, pool time would be on the agenda. These are a few of my favorite outdoor living scenes. Follow me on pinterest for more: http://pinterest.com/paytonvail

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