KEEP IT SIMPLE

sometimes the most fun outfits are the simplest outfits.
two basic pieces combined with a few accessories = casual chic at its best.

what are your favorite summer basics to wear?




cutoffs, made by me//top, f21//cap, target
*sharing this post with the pleated poppy, dear abby leigh, lena b actually, through the eyes of the mrs

TODAY IS JUST THAT KIND OF DAY...

...where you can roam around the house wearing pajama bottoms + a tank.  it is my time to do nothing, except enjoy the quiet, simple moments of the day.  ever have days like this where nothing seems to matter?  you're ok with not getting dressed, no makeup or fancy clothes needed.  just a good facial mask and my hair tousled about (of which i will fix later). but until then...

the hubby is outside cutting grass.  bless this man as he keeps our yard looking so nice.  the dog is being a dog. up to her usual and my guess is when i make my way downstairs, there will be another rope toy demolished.  colorful strings will await me while she naps on her bed. in her mind, it's an artistic expression and her creative right. and when she finally awakens, there will be a look of innocence on her face. if words became hers, she would explain a stranger entered our home while she was sleeping and managed to create such mess. that would be her story and i'm sure she would stick to it.

as for me, i'm choosing this time to write.  to put together a little post about a whole lot of nothing.  and if anything, just to connect with you. the windows are open (as i'm trying to enjoy whatever is left of spring) before the heat + humidity decide to appear.  can you tell i'm not a fan of summer?  my apologies to anyone this may offend, but i'm in love with fall and of course spring.  so even though i'm happy the sunshine is here, i do not look forward to my endless battle of trying to stay cool during the blistering heat. thank goodness for popsicles, ice cream, and days like today.  where i can just stay inside, hang out with you a bit, and let the world pass by.

today is just that kind of day...


*handpainted wooden village by ana marko.

5/4/3/2/1 HAPPY WEEKEND

5 things learned this week.

*the more i blog, the more this dog loves having her picture taken.  she's becoming quite the diva while still holding on to her tomboyish ways.

*the "everything is better with bacon" quote is not so true.  bacon flavored pasta sauce was the worst...even though my hubby thought it was ok.

*i eat alot of spinach.

*kindness can actually rub off on people...even when they don't feel like being kind.

*i need sleep.

4 things eaten and enjoyed.
*fresh strawberries
*spaghetti + meatballs (without the bacon sauce)
*avocado toast
*jelly beans (yes, i still have a stash)

3 DIY projects i just might have to try.
*add gold leaf to a leather handbag (beautiful hello).
*decorate power cords with washi tape (design love fest).
*make some olive oil candles (little house living).

2 quotes i liked on pinterest.
* "strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." ~albert einstein
* "you were born with the ability to change someone's life, don't ever waste it." ~kush and wizdom

1 winner in the salvaged sweets giveaway.
* mihaela d.
i've sent you an email so please respond ASAP to claim your prize.  and as a special thank you, justyna would like to extend a 25% off discount to all a stylish little lady readers on any order placed by 6/30/2013 from her etsy shop.
just enter the coupon code STYLISH at checkout. thank you (justyna) for being such an amazing sponsor this month. and thanks to all of you for showing her some love!!

I'M SWEET ON THIS...

>>>young frankk jewelry<<<

find the collection here.

A HANDMADE GIVEAWAY //ORIGINS STYLE

this creative talent hails from brooklyn and i'm so glad she wanted to be a part of a stylish little lady.  nasozi, a ugandan name which means "something to look up to...in praise of," is indeed living up to her name gracefully commanding the world of home design. she turns drab interiors into works of art draped with african waxprint designs. nasozi is a mixologist of sorts. she uses patterns and prints giving way to skillfully crafted home accents, a perfect compliment to any interior looking to infuse a bit of soulful, modern design.  nasozi is the narrator behind each piece and seeks to bring meaning and life to each fabric that is lovingly crafted and honors an age old african tradition.

today, one lucky reader will have the chance to win this 18"x18"pillow, inspired by the great pyramids of giza. it is a handmade creation (crafted by nasozi herself) and would be a perfect companion to a sofa or your favorite chair. this modern interpretation of an ancient relic is sure to be a conversation piece and a cherished addition to your home. and if you are looking for more design inspiration, be sure to visit nasozi's etsy shop here.  she not only has beautiful pillow designs, but offers upholstered foot rests, headboards, benches, and stools.

play fair (as all entries will be verified) and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*giveaway/sweepstakes rules: no purchase or payment necessary. must be 18 and over to enter. this giveaway is open to US & international residents and will end Tuesday, 5/21/13.  please note: a complete pillow (cover + insert) will be mailed within the US only.  if the winner resides overseas, the cover will be shipped and the winner is responsible for supplying their own insert.   by entering , the entrant acknowledges they are eligible for this giveaway according to all laws set forth by their home state and will be responsible for any taxes associated with the prize. the winner will be selected at random and announced on the blog Friday 5/24/13 .  the winner will be contacted via email and is responsible for claiming their prize within 3 days from being notified.  in the event the prize goes unclaimed, another winner will be randomly selected. this giveaway is sponsored by origins style and void where prohibited. all images within this post are the property of origins style and shall not be copied or reproduced.* 

THERE NEEDS TO BE A WEDDING...

that's what i've been thinking.  somebody i know needs to get married.  why?  because i love weddings and loved planning mine and DIYin' till my fingers fell off.  it was bliss. hard work, but bliss.   i've been married for some months now and well, my husband is not going down that road with me again.  at least not anytime soon. perhaps when we reach a milestone in wedded years.

and there are the moments.  times when i think we should have done this or that.  don't get me wrong, i love how our wedding turned out and the fact that we decided to have a small one with family + some close friends.  however, there are little things i wish we would have done and followed up with like having food trucks at the reception instead of a formal meal.  and there's pinterest.  big, bad pinterest.  i keep adding to my wedding board (which should have been deleted by now) telling myself that someone i know will get married and need this!

do you love weddings or ever look back on your own wedding wishing there were little things you could change?  if you could have a do-over, what would it be? a different dress.  a smaller wedding.  to be rid of uninvited guests and to have eloped instead? do share as i'd love to hear about your wedding or the one you hope to have. feel free to check out my wedding board here.  maybe you will see something you can use! (you're welcome) and a few photos from my wedding here and here.

*an update// after writing this post,  i received a text from my cousin and he's getting married later this year.  i'm so happy for them both and can't wait to celebrate their special day. weddings are a wonderful thing and i'm looking forward to this one.

oh happy day!!