look who it is

It's Brooke! She and her husband Jamaal are two of the new faces for the hip denim company, Imogene + Willie, new Spring ad campaign! Go check it out!

favorite: the smiling elephant

Last night, Matty and I had THE best Thai food we have ever had (sorry Jasmine), thanks to my friend Amanda. I was telling her recently how I love Thai food, and she told me we had to try The Smiling Elephant. It's a quaint little dive on 8th avenue, that just driving by you may miss. Once inside you feel transported to Thailand with the carved wood, marble tables, and small wooden stools in place of chairs. The menu is succinct, the waitstaff was incredibly helpful, and the music wasn't cheesy! To further it's satiable credibility, the owners of Burger Up were sitting next to us! Must have been their night off! If you want great food, and a great experience, you must try The Smiling Elephant soon! Just beware...there will be a wait!

shoe review: payless nautical stripe platforms

So I got the shoes last night and I have to say, I am really impressed with the quality! There is even a suede padding where your little toesies lay. The wedge heel is super shiny and perfect, as are the stripes and the canvas material of the upper portion of the shoe! The one downfall would be that they are TALL!  You really need to know how to work a platform to feel steady in these shoes. I would try a practice run around the house before heading out to more treacherous land... like stairs. 
As far as the price point goes, when I tried them on, Mr. Matty said "woah those shoes are great...they are from Payless?" I said, "Yeah but they are 50 dollars" and he replied, "they look more expensive than 50 dollars".  With that man's stamp of approval I promptly found a new place for them to live in my closet. Hope this helps for those of you on the fence.

the closet shop: think pink

I've been looking for a little leopard to add to my wardrobe for Spring and I think these heels are the perfect touch! I now wear them with everything!

Location: abandoned car dealership

Shades: ?????

Top: Isaac Mizrahi (found at TJ Maxx)

Belt: J. Crew

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

Bracelet: Gift from Kayce

Purse: Posh Boutique

just purchased: my summer shoe

If you can believe it these are from Payless! A bit pricy for Payless, but I just couldn't pass up that shiny red wedge heel!!

can't live without

During college I worked at a coffee shop called Common Grounds. This is where my addiction to everything coffee and specifically Common Grounds coffee began. I will ask anyone who may be driving through Waco on their way to Nashville to pick me up a few bags. I was lucky to personally visit last month and stocked up on Angel's Kiss! My absolute fave!

the closet shop: feather weather

I consider these shoes my ultimate score. Vintage YSL from my friend Libby for about $50 bucks! I plan to wear them a ton this Spring and Summer.

Location: West End Avenue

Top: Forever 21

Vest: Forever 21

Earrings: gift from Mr. Matty

Jeans: Forever 21

Platforms: Vintage YSL (Diamond Star Halo Vintage)

FIVE

 

  

Tonight after weeks of hard work and rehearsals,  I am thrilled to be performing with four amazingly talented ladies in FIVE!

FIVE is the first production of the newly formed MAS Nashville, a collective of theater

professionals working together to support and showcase the best that Nashville has to
offer. MAS carries a double meaning to its members as well. It is a Mutual Admiration
Society of individuals who desire to build up and highlight the talent and enthusiasm in
each other, but also MAS – Because There’s Always Room for More. More talent, more
variety, more opportunity, more support, and (hopefully) reaching more audiences. With
that theme in mind MAS Nashville presents it’s first show, FIVE. Taking its inspiration
from 5 iconic divas, FIVE is a show full of variety and emotion that showcases the best
in each of its performers, set to a simple and classic piano score. No flash, no set, no
glitz (well, maybe a few rhinestones), but a whole lot of self-possessed knock out
performances of everything from Broadway to pop, killer vocals, laughs, a few good
cries, and a whole lotta love. Join Cori, Erin, Laura, Megan, and Melodie for one night
only and share their songs and stories and maybe, just maybe, experience a little
bit…MORE. 

 

If you live in Nashville, this is a concert you won't want to miss! We still have a few walk up tickets available at the box office, which will open at 6:30. Show starts at 7:30 at The Street Theatre Company. Find out more at www.masnashville.com

does it get any cuter?

Adorable vintage milk bottle measuring cups from here of course!

can't live without

This time of year, Nashville brings out the allergies in all of us. Being a singer makes it that much worse! A lot of performers find it hard to come to Nashville to perform because of the instant allergies that lurk here. I am blaming YOU Bradford Pear! To try and hold off the inevitable cold, I have a date with my neti pot twice a day and I love it! Yes you look ridiculous while doing it, but don't knock it til you tried it!

the closet shop: back in black

I scored this belt at Goodwill a few years back and I wear it ALL the time (like in last week's post).  I love finding something that costs $1.00 that becomes a wardrobe staple!

Location: Germantown

Jacket: Forever 21

Tank: Target

Belt: Goodwill

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Target

Bangles: Forever 21

Earrings: Forever 21

Purse: Forever 21

Shoes: DSW sale rack

birthday in a box a year older

You may remember Melanie guest posting about her lovely birthday in a box. Well, she has done it again! I didn't think she could improve on such a creative idea, but she never ceases to amaze.

how to help

I'm sure like me, you are having a hard time believing what we are watching in Japan. I find myself making sure I don't waste my food, and feeling guilty for every ounce of water I drink.  After going through the flood here in Nashville last year, the images of the destruction in Japan are especially difficult. I want to reach through my TV and start picking up lumber and debris! If you are struggling with how to help, I found this article to be a great resource on where to give money. Above all, please pray for Japan!

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the closet shop: green in greece

My hair for this outfit was inspired by Lady Gaga's hair bow. I like to think my version is less red carpet and more "wear to work". I love me some Gaga, but don't worry, there are no "meat dresses" or "Muppet ensembles" in future outfit posts.

Location: The Parthenon, Nashville

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Necklace: gift from Mr. Matty, Tiffany & Co.

Earrings: found in my bathroom after a recent visit from my parents (Mom are these yours?)

Blouse: gift from my sis in-law

Belt: $1.00 bin at Goodwill

Pants: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (am I the only one that misses this line?)

Shoes: Kate Spade score from Marti & Liz

Purse: gift 

 

the most beautiful DIY

When I saw the photos of Kellie's baby shower, I had a feeling who was behind the decor. Today it was confirmed as the lovely Chelsea Petaja from Oh My Deer. I have blogged about Chelsea's endless creativity before, but these hanging book mobiles are the tops! I love the idea of making shower decorations that can also be used for nursery decoration as well. Bravo Chelsea! Check out the full DIY instructions here.

CSN giveaway winner

 

Congratulations to Joy Tilly Perryman who was the winner of the CSN giveaway! I will be in touch soon with your gift code so you can get your shopping on! Thanks to everyone for entering!

just a reminder

Just a reminder today is the last day to enter the CSN giveaway! Go enter!

{ring from PaupersBounty}

nailed it!

I don't know what has been going on with my nails lately, but they have been growing like weeds!  My thumb nail was getting close to curling under like the ones in the Guiness Book of World Records.  So after putting another hole in my tights, I decided it was time to cut them and try Sally Hansen Nail Polish strips. Besides, who doesn't want fishnet nails? 

Here is the final product. I love them! This is quite the process, so if all you want is a fun color, I would take the 5 minutes to paint them. The pro is that seconds after securing the strips, I washed my hands and was typing on the computer. I'll keep you posted on how they hold up! 

the closet shop: red, white, and boots

I wish this weather would make up it's mind! But at least I get to wear my pancho for another week! 
When paired with my red cowboy boots, nothing makes me feel kickier!
(photo note: there was a lot of honking during this shoot, so I was finally able to 
put my "pageant wave" to good use!)

Location: Katy K's 

Blouse: vintage, Frecklewonder

Poncho: vintage, Frecklewonder

Jeans: Target

Boots: vintage, Diamond Star Halo Vintage

Earrings: thrifted

Sunglasses: Target

Friday Giveaway!

Happy Friday! How about another giveaway? This one is from CSN stores. They sell everything from cookware, modern furniture, lighting, rugs, and even swing sets!  They want to give one of my readers a $45.00 gift certificate that can be used towards a purchase from any of their 200 stores! Just leave a comment below telling me you would like to be entered and I will pick a winner at random next Wednesday! Have a great weekend!