sunday simplicity.

Lauren Fair Photography via Ruffled

"I thought maybe we could make gingerbread 

houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice 

skating, and maybe even hold hands." - Elf

Marissa Lambert Photography via Style Me Pretty

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• I've had this tune stuck in my head for weeks now and it was driving me crazy because I didn't know what it was called, what the words actually were other than "In the silence of the night..." or who sang it - thank goodness The Santa Clause was on TV last night and I realized it was from the scene where the characters visit the North Pole for the first time. The song is "The Bells of Christmas" by Loreena McKennitt. It's a shame it's so hard to find, because it's absolutely magical.

SWOON.

Mary Margaret Smith Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

• From EAD, a winter wedding with a bright pop of color.
• A lovely redwood forest wedding from Lauren Fair.
• An evocative editorial in Italy from Michael and Carina.
• Love the palette and florals from this white barn wedding.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Sarah ❤s, The Blog Market, Flipsnack, SALT. 
• Read It Forward is giving away 50 books and a bookshelf!
• Love Liz's simple, welcoming farmhouse Christmas entry.
• Ashley's home is a rustic, snowy winter wonderland.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My wellness wish list, fall in Instagram, favorite holiday traditions, and a glam woodland Christmas wreath.
• 2014: Roanoke's Festival of Trees, rounded up ideas for a wedding inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and my blog loves.
• 2013: a Sunday Social all about the holidays, pulled together emerald green and gold wardrobe and wedding/party inspiration, shared my favorite no-bake cookie recipe, and recapped my December in Instagram.
• 2012: holiday advice for letting go of perfect and enjoying the holiday season, and 7 winter date ideas.
• 2011:  a paint chip mosaic, poinsettia wreath, no-sew tree skirt, and how I decorated our tree.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• It is a truth universally acknowledged that Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren are one of the cutest couples in country music. I love this song that he wrote after their wedding.

SWOON.

Gaby J Photograpghy via Style Me Pretty

• SMP features a must-see whimsical blue and gold wedding.
• Farmhouse style fall dining room inspiration from Dear Lillie.
• Can't wait to try Lucy's apple cake recipe (hers is so gorgeous!)
• In love with this Secret Garden-inspired Georgia wedding.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Teaching Is My Superpower, Smashing, Sarah Hearts.
• Studio DIY's costume shop includes their perfect dresses.
• These funny misfortune cookies are so cute for Halloween!
• Pinning all the autumn inspiration and pumpkin recipes.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: ways to learn something new in your hometown, favorite fictional teachers.
• 2014: favorite marsala wardrobe picks and a fall and winter bucket list.
• 2013: costumes for groups, Gatsby-inspired getups, and an A to Z book survey.
• 2012: navy and orange wardrobe ideas, inspiration for a rustic navy wedding, wedding cake pop ideas, photos from High Point Furniture Market as well as a what-to-wear guide, and a musical alphabet.
• 2011: fall centerpiece ideas, photos from my first trip to High Point, and my recipe for crock pot baked apples.

sunday simplicity.

Charla Storey via Style Me Pretty

“Nobody is bored when he is trying to make something 
that is beautiful, or to discover something that is true.” 

― William Inge

Christmas Eve Mini Holiday Home Tour!

As I've mentioned in my posts about our Christmas wreath and DIY ornaments, I let the dream of "peace on Earth" guide my holiday decorating this year. I especially loved how our Christmas tree turned out. When we got out our old tree, which was a hand-me-down from Mr. Q's grandparents, the lights on the top two sections wouldn't function, so it was off to the city on the day after Thanksgiving in search of a new tree.

I've always been really impressed by the awesome things KMart comes up with at Christmas time, so we headed there first and picked out a tree from the Jaclyn Smith collection. It's a 7 foot "Clearwater Slim Cashmere Tree." While the slim shape stands out in the store, it's a perfect fit in our townhouse where space is at a premium. The tree is a little taller than our old one, and a lot more realistic-looking - it has a mix of branch shapes and sizes.

Eliminating red from my Christmas color scheme was the first step toward streamlining my design, and while focusing on "peace on Earth," I was drawn to earth tones, white, and sparkling metallics. The gold tree skirt (also from KMart) really helped to ground the theme (get it?).

I do have my own method for decorating a Christmas tree: I start with ribbon, then add large bulb ornaments toward the center of the tree (along with a few Scentsicles). I used burlap, gold, and silver embroidered ribbon in layers. Next, I add what I think of as "anchor" ornaments - in this year's tree, these were my grandmother's crochet snowflake ornaments and my Smith and Hawken mercury glass pinecones. 

I add more bulbs to the outer branches in a spiral pattern - this year, I used matte gold and champagne, shiny silver, and clear bulbs with a snowflake design. Then, I add special, one-of-a-kind ornaments, like our wedding cake ornament, lighthouses from North Carolina, and our brass and pewter travel ornaments. 

This year, we bought some new mini glitter ornaments in a range of earth tones, as well as gold glittered pine cone ornaments, while we were at KMart, then headed to JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels, where we picked up clip-on dove ornaments, sparkling gold floral picks, and an adorable little church ornament with a bottle brush tree. My last steps when decorating are to add 3-D elements like poinsettias and floral picks - I just stick them into the branches - and, of course, candy canes (this year I used the Hershey ones with a chocolate stripe!). I'm really pleased with the way our tree turned out - to me, it's the perfect mix of rustic and elegant, peaceful and beautiful.

Merry Christmas! Past tours: 2014, 2013, 2012.

Linking Up:

Weekend Snapshots at Her Heartland Soul

Style: 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards

It's become something of a tradition for me to completely geek out about award show fashion here on the blog, so I couldn't let this past Sunday's Emmys go unnoticed, despite the fact that I found this year's red carpet looks a bit strange and lackluster. Despite kooky chain mail, appliques, add-ons, and ruffles, unflattering bodices, a few dresses that were just boringly predictable on the stars who wore them, and way too many tummy cutouts, a few ladies stood out to me as being perfectly on point.

Please note: If you are planning on adding any of these images to your Pinterest boards, please click on the link below the picture and pin from the source. Thank you!

Hollywood Life | Daily Mail

First of all, can we just talk about how Ariel Winter plays the nerdy daughter on Modern Family yet consistently slays on the red carpet. If you're one of the stars of one of television's most successful shows, you have every right to dress like a straight-up classic Hollywood star for the Emmy's, and I absolutely loved Winter's bright red Romona Keveza gown with its asymmetrical neckline and train, especially paired with vintage-style waves. Then she changed into another perfect dress for an afterparty. Ariel wins the Emmys in my book.

Hollywood Reporter | Hollywood Life

Two blonde actresses, two vintage-inspired looks. Zoe Kazan's peppermint-striped halter gown might have seemed a little strange to some, but the Emmys are a place to have fun with fashion and I loved the red clutch and lipstick she paired with the dress. Emma Roberts looked absolutely gorgeous in a vintage-inspired champagne gown with a plunging neckline and hair styled in sideswept waves.

Pret-a-Reporter | Hollywood Life

Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress probably would have been my favorite of the night if the wrinkles hadn't been so visible on the television screen and in photos. I love the colorblock, but never wear that fabric again - what is that, taffeta? Meanwhile, The Daily Show's Kristin Schaal looked adorable in her shimmery navy blue dress and hair styled in a long bob.

Hollywood Life | Glamour

Finally, the ladies of Orange is the New Black totally brought it on the red carpet. Laverne Cox's dress is one of Pantone's color picks for fall, Biscay Blue, and the cutouts weren't overpowering on her athletic frame - the shape reminded me of the Calvin Klein dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the 2011 Oscars. While I didn't love the neckline of Taylor Schilling's dress, I thought the color was fun and her hair and makeup was probably my favorite beauty of the night - the wavy bob is really flattering on her, her makeup looks fresh but not overdone, and that lipstick is amazing (Glamour has tracked it down - it's from Charlotte Tilbury).

Who had your favorite style at this year's Emmy Awards?

clicks of note: happy st. patrick's day!

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• Once again, I have my local indie station to thank for this toe-tapper from Matt Nathanson - I've loved his music since college and this is the perfect song to start your spring.

SWOON.

Heather Payne Fine Art Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

• Check out John Legend's soulful R and B wedding playlist over at Bridal Musings.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs features a gorgeous Tennesse vineyard inspiration shoot.
• Emmaline Bride features the prettiest Lumineers inspired chair signs.
• Tasha's Washi tape wall decals would be perfect for a wedding or party.

SMILE.

Post by Atlantic Coast Conference.

• My Wahoos are ACC champions!
• Foodie Crush rounds up some awesome St. Patrick's Day recipe ideas.
• It's not too late to make this glittered shamrock pin from Freutcake.
• More St. Patrick's Day ideas over on my Pinterest page.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I reminisced about Ireland, rounded up citron wardrobe inspiration for spring break, featured a Secret Garden inspired Sunday Simplicity,
• Two years ago I featured inspiration for a country wedding in pastel grays, purples, and blues.
• Three years ago I shared ideas for wedding card storage and thank you signs.

Style: My Favorite 2014 Golden Globes Looks

I love awards show season!  Red carpet glitz and glamour?  Yes please.  And I'll be honest, my favorite part is watching the preshow interviews on E!, then snarking about the actual award show on Twitter.  Like I did last year, I took some notes on the outfits that stood out to me during the show, and then tried to spot some potential trends.  Here's what stood out to me.

Moviefone | Hawt Celebs

When I watch red carpet shows, I tend to pick my favorites in terms of what I'd want to wear if I was a celebrity, and this year I was surprised to find myself head-over-heels for what the entertainment television personalities were wearing instead of the movie stars!  TV Guide's Carly Steel had my favorite gown of the night: the white dress is by Sherri Hill and featured a sparkly lace neckline that seemed very old-world elegant, Dao Fournier jewelry, an Aruna Seth bag and a beautiful updo to match.  Here she is on the E! 360 "Glam Cam."   The style of Carly's dress is similar to the gown Michelle Dockery wore to last year's Globes, but done in a softer, more romantic style.  Good Morning America television correspondent Rachel Smith wore a similar style (also Sherri Hill... looks like I've found a new favorite designer!) in pink with lilac beading that seemed fit for a princess and Tacori amethyst earrings. 

Forbes | E! Online

Black lace was a popular theme on the red carpet on Sunday.  Cate Blanchett was one of the absolute best dressed women of the night in a lace Armani Prive gown paired with simple, vintage-inspired hair, makeup and jewelry.  Here's the 360 degree view - it's backless!  Leslie Mann's dress picks up on two trends that were big in 2013: the mermaid/fishtail hem and a peplum waist.  The lace detail at the neckline is so pretty and the Dolce & Gabbana dress looked great on her!

I was so excited when it was announced that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler would be hosting the Golden Globes for the second year in a row.  These ladies are two of my idols, even moreso since I just finished reading Tina's book Bossypants.  Tina looked absolutely amazing in her three Golden Globes gowns, all in beautiful shades of red, from a fun pattern by Carolina Herrera and princess hairstyle for the red carpet, to a plunging beaded neckline and soft waves for the opening monologue, and finishing the night with a strapless sheath and an updo.  Wahoowa, Tina.

JustJared (1, 2)

Us Magazine

One of my favorite looks of the night was the colorblocked black-and-red Carolina Herrera gown Taylor Swift was rocking.  The sweetheart neckline and full skirt gave the dress a very classic shape while the colorblock gave it a modern touch.  Her faux bob hairstyle was a perfect complement to the feminine dress.

I think my favorite moment of the entire night was Jennifer Lawrence photobombing Taylor Swift during her interview with Ryan Seacrest, awkwardly joking that she was going to push Taylor down the stairs, which then turned into a conversation about the epic text messages Jennifer and Taylor send and their mutual admiration for one another's work.  During the awards, I couldn't help but wondering what they were texting each other.  Were they Snapchatting from their seats?  I hope so.

Instagram

E! Online

Also completely stunning in red was Lupita Nyong'o, who played Patsey in Twelve Years a Slave.  Her sheath dress with attached cape was by Ralph Lauren and was very dramatic on the red carpet!  I like that she kept the rest of her look very simple.  Here's the 360 degree view so you can really experience the glory of the cape (and fun confetti!)

Fantabulously Frugal New York |  E! Online

Another trend I noticed was texture.  The Good Wife's Julianna Margulies (she'll always be Nurse Carol Hathaway to me, though) looked absolutely stunning in a black Andrew Gn gown with gold coral trim. Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery looked lovely in a strapless gray Oscar de la Renta gown with an intricate gold design, full skirt, and interesting hemline.

InStyle | Hollywood Life

Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke wore a sculptural Proenza Schouler gown with a dramatic black and white guipure lace pattern.  The 360 degree view from E! shows that in the back, there is a peplum effect at the waistline.  I thought that Entertainment Tonight television personality Rocsi Diaz's dress was really elegant.  The high neckline is appropriate for a winter event, the striped pattern is beautiful, and the soft color palette looked great with her skintone.

Perez Hilton |  Miami Herald

Miami Herald

If there was a "she knows what works for her body" award, it would go to Sofia Vergara with Melissa Rauch from The Big Bang Theory in a close second and an honorable mention for Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Melissa Fumero.  Sofia is well-known for her voluptuous figure, and I loved her Zac Possen gown's voluminous skirt and the Tiffany blue colored necklace she wore. A statement necklace was a great choice for her and I thought the blue and black looked really fresh together.  I love the bright yellow Melissa Rauch is wearing and I think we'll see more of it this spring since Freesia is one of Pantone's color report choices for the season.  She wore a similar silhouette in red last year, and a sweetheart neckline and trumpet skirt really do show off her curves beautifully.  Melissa Fumero's beaded sheath really shows off what great shape she is in, highlighting her toned arms.  I'll go do some push-ups now.

Talking Pretty | JustJared

Usher and Bradley Cooper were my picks for the best-dressed men at the Golden Globes.  I loved the burgundy/plum color of Usher's suit, and Bradley Cooper's tux was classic and perfect.  Plus they both seem to have stopped aging several years ago.

Who were your picks for best (and worst) dressed at the Globes?

inspiration for a radiant orchid winter wedding

It's no secret that purple is my all-time favorite, and after putting together yesterday's feature on Pantone's Color of the Year for 2014, Radiant Orchid, I was inspired to envision a glamorous winter wedding featuring this rich, saturated royal shade.

"South Beach" from Invitations by Ajalon

The 1920's and Art Deco design were very popular in 2013 and 

I don't see this trend going away anytime soon!  One of my favorite 

places to feature Art Deco inspiration in weddings is in paper goods - 

invitations, programs, menus, escort cards can all be personalized 

with 1920's-inspired typefaces and embellishments.

Callaway Gable via Style Me Pretty

Eggplant-toned succulents make an unexpectedly elegant boutonniere.

Maria Vicencio Photography via Brides.com

I love the Kate Spade heels this bride chose - check out her gorgeous

wedding photographed by Maria Vicencio over at Brides.com.

Cherish Paperie

Alvina Valenta silk bridal gown by JLM Couture | Allan Zepeda via Style Me Pretty