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

What I Wore: Suspenders

what I wore: blouse & suspenders – vintage from potter’s house, trousers – new york & co, croc heels – gianni bini (also seen here)
I was super into this ensemble until several employees of Forever21 told me they liked my outfit. While I obviously buy from there, I never want to look like the store threw up on me. My general consensus was to take the compliment and move along. Because, I have always found that graciously accepting a compliment is the best way to react. No one wants to hear you mouth off about how terrible you think you look because a) you either mean it or b) you don’t and both are sad.
Sorry…I’ve completely digressed. I’ve included a picture of my beautiful Bird. She turned 2 last week.

My Wedding: All the Details

Here they are! All my wedding pictures. I honestly can’t believe it was four months ago. It was the most incredible experience, made possible by an incredibly wonderful man and many, many precious friends and relatives. Contact me at prettypayblog@gmail if you have  questions about vendors. xo
WHAT I WORE: My earrings and bracelet were antique Mikimoto pearls borrowed from my new mother in law. My engagement ring is a family heirloom that belonged to Robert’s great-grandmother. My wedding ring was created to match by Mark Fleischner from Lauray’s in Hot Springs. Robert’s ring is also from Lauray’s. floral wreath and bridal bouquet by Flora, wedding dress by Le Spose di Gio via Kleinfeld’s, rehearsal dinner/after wedding dress was vintage Laurence Kazar via ebay, platforms – Jeffrey Campbell via Solestruck, Alterations by Anita Turzi, Makeup: Kory Simpson, Hair: Brittany Castleberry from Teazed
EVERYTHING ELSE: my bridesmaids chose their own dresses in shades of white or cream, photography by Mallory Berry, tuxedos – Jos A. Bank, polka dot bow ties by The Tie Bar, invitations by So Inviting, Ceremony music: Quintet from the Fayetteville Jazz Collective, Reception Band: Big John Miller Band, Rentals: Eventures, Catering: Jim & Mary Cope/ Susie Stevens of Nibbles, Alcohol: Andy Plemmons from Crossover Liquor, Cake: The cake lady, Officiant – Robert Ginsburg,  Rehearsal Dinner:  Ella’s at Carnall Hall, Bridal Luncheon: Café Rue Orleans, Décor/Flowers: Susan Wright, Transportation from parking area: Jim’s Shuttle Express, Restroom Trailer: Arkansas Portable’s NW, Videographer: Abigail Jeppsen, Day of Wedding Coordinator: Tammy York of Gatsby’s Event Management

2011 Outfit Favorites

Happy 2012 from The Window Shopper!

Better late than never? Here are a few of my favorite outfits (some on the blog, some not) from 2011. Thank you all for your continued support. xo
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Sneak Peek: My Wedding

Here are a few of my favorites from our wedding. I’ve got a lot more to share with you after the new year! xo Payton

My earrings and bracelet were antique Mikimoto pearls borrowed from my new mother in law. My engagement ring is a family heirloom that belonged to Robert’s great-grandmother. My wedding ring was created to match by the best jeweler in the state, Mark Fleischner from Lauray’s in Hot Springs. Robert’s ring is also from Lauray’s.
photography by Mallory Berry, floral wreath and bridal bouquet by Flora, wedding dress by Le Spose di Gio via Kleinfeld’s, platforms – Jeffrey Campbell via Solestruck, tuxedos – Jos A. Bank, polka dot bow ties by The Tie Bar

Party Trick: Lips

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I love wearing bold lipstick but I always get it on my teeth and I hate reapplying after one sip of a drink. One of my favorite tricks is to layer a favorite shade over a longwear. I kid you not, it lasts all day. Working for CoverGirl, I obviously tried the Outlast longwear and it works amazingly. I have looked for other drug store versions and have not been able to replicate so it really is my #1 recommendation. For Red lips, I use Outlast in Everreddy and once it dries I apply Lip Perfection in Hot.

For hot pink lips, I use Outlast in Dusty Rose and Lip Perfection in Spellbound.

Birthday!


Tomorrow is my brand new hubby’s birthday. We took the day off to celebrate (as if we really needed an occasion). Isn’t it so much fun to make merry and be carefree and just bask in happiness? Yeah the answer is yes.
I hope you’re celebrating something, anything this weekend!

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Happy birthday, darling…

A Spooky Little Girl like You

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Halloween is one of my all-time favorite occasions. I LOVE to dress up in costume. I’m the kind of girl that wears wigs to a concert and noodles, so you can imagine…Luckily, my new husband shares my affinity for playing dress-up and allows himself to be “convinced” to participate.
At our rehearsal dinner, my mom made an extremely lovely video montage of us and we were dressed up in costume in so many of the pictures.
I began to embrace it as our equity. Here are some costumes from years past.

2008 Marlboro Man & Hula Girl

2009 Cavepeople

2010 Little Red & the Big Bad Wolf

This year we are being Zorro & some version of CZJ from Mask of Zorro. What about you?

Plans for the Weekend

This weekend will be filled with sun, entertaining, celebrating, dinner reservations, errands and hopefully (as always) romance.

via my pinterest

Five Things

Today I’m feeling especially grateful for the ins and outs of everyday life – the beautiful weather, my loved ones, my health. Tragedy hits us all in unexpectedly poignant ways. We never know when a routine experience can change our lives forever. It’s important to savor happy moments and tell people how much you appreciate them. Here are five things I’m thankful for today.

(Spring)

(Love)

(Friends)

(Family)

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(New shoes)

Have a happy weekend. xo