Uniquely Chic Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

honeysucklechic — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:42:40 +0000

Mothers rarely get what they deserve:
On them is dumped the dirt of our dreams.
Their joys must be ours, as they serve
Hard time, which only our love redeems.
Each day your love and faith my days renew;
Rejoice, then, on this day reserved for you.

Poem Credit: Poemsforfree.com

Cinco de Mayo…Inebriated Dessert…

honeysucklechic — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:03:38 +0000

Margarita Cupcakes!!!

I adapted this recipe into something special to celebrate Cinco de Mayo…it’s just delicious! (I actually took a few to work and everyone LOVED them!) While these tasty treats don’t have actual tequila included, the margarita mix and freshly grated lime offer a wonderful flavor–think of a key lime pie. Combined with my fiance’s favorite cocktail, the margarita, and you have a fiesta in the making!

Ingredients:

box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix

1 cup nonalcoholic margarita mix

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons grated lime peel

4 egg whites

1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Light Fat Free key lime yogurt

1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping thawed

2 teaspoons grated lime peel

Heat oven to 350° F (325° F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, margarita mix, oil, 2 teaspoons lime peel, and eggs with electric mixer on low-speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl, occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (2/3 full).

Bake 18 to 23 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely.

In medium bowl, fold whipped topping, lime yogurt and 2 teaspoons lime peel until blended; frost cupcakes.

A Summer’s Day Dress…

honeysucklechic — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:58:48 +0000

I love it when the summer breezes wrap around me whenever I step outside…casual dresses and sandals are my favorite ensemble for day wear during these warmer months. No matter the color of the frock or the cut of the neckline, I usually pair a cute accessory to complete my look too. And, I always don my Jackie O inspired sunglasses–I indulge in any attempt to prevent wrinkles! What dress or designer are you most desiring right now? (Recently, I’ve been online window “stalking” this Shoshanna one-shouldered dress!)

Check out these really cute and casually chic day dresses! Pretty enough to wear on Mother’s Day brunch!

Lady Gambler Dress, Nanette Lepore: $368
Short-Sleeve Belle Dress, Milly: $275
Ruffled Eyelet Dress, See by Chloe: $495
Peplum Brushstrokes Dress, Forever21: $25
DRESS FFL EWING, Mango: $120
Casual Shift Dress, Zara: $80

Vintage Patterns…

honeysucklechic — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:55:41 +0000

This weekend, I was lucky enough to snag some vintage sewing patterns online! I am very excited and eagerly waiting for when they arrive in the mail. The first I purchased was a vintage 1960’s shift dress pattern that has a gorgeous tailored ¾-sleeved dress. It appears to be pretty simple to make as it only has five main pieces that create the dress. I already have some really cute fabric to use!

The second pattern that I got is actually a children’s dress pattern…not for me, but for my best girlfriend’s almost seven month old little girl. I’ve never tried to sew a dress for anyone other than myself, but I feel a baby’s dress is just a scaled down version of what I would create for me right? (Minus the little shorts that keep diapers covered!) I have never sewn pants or shorts before and have never used elastic in my sewing projects either, but there’s always a time to start! I think I’ll be making version D or E for her little girl…well…whichever version is easier is the one I’ll make…

If you’re curious where you can learn more about patterns or simple sewing techniques, check out Simplicity. They have partnerships with Project Runway (they carry a line of branded patterns that are very chic and easy) as well as Cynthia Rowley branded patterns that are really cute too. I actually already own one–the tunic style, but I also adore this ruffled necklined pattern too.

Are you more tempted to try out sewing now? The key is to pick out a simple pattern that doesn’t have too many pieces that make up the final product. Ensure that the design is something you’ll wear often (I would hate to spend my time creating a dress or top that would just sit in the back of my closet). Another thing that gets me excited to sew a new project is using a beautiful fun fabric that I will love to look at while I’m sitting at my machine…did you see any patterns on Simplicity that you would like to make?

Raising the stakes on Derby Day

honeysucklechic — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:08:59 +0000

Are you really that surprised that I’m writing about this today? Especially after yesterday’s posting…

For those of you who are not southerners, I must explain the cultural fashion importance of the infamous Kentucky Derby, annually held on the first Sunday in May. This is THE event where a girl can put on her BEST chic summer frock and really the only excuse to wear a silly hat (and have others chic girls compliment its design).

As a genuine southern belle, I had to share with you some choice ensembles to ensure you wear while placing your bet. Don’t forget to toast your Mint Julep to the winner!

Equestrian Chic

honeysucklechic — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:45:08 +0000

Well as I’ve mentioned before, I’m active in taking equestrian lessons a la Betty Draper from Mad Men. Despite being born and raised in the south’s wide open spaces, I’ve actually spent more time on a horse in New York since my fiancé gifted me lessons for my birthday last year. I usually showed up wearing jeans, a long-sleeved tee, and my old work out shoes. However since resuming my lessons here in northern Cali, I want to better reflect my image of the perfectly chic rider.

Image compliments of Vanity Fair

Take a look at my ideal ensemble for next week’s lesson…which is easily obtainable due to rush delivery online! I’ve added the riding tack (lead & saddle) as these are investment pieces and hopefully placing me one step closer to owning my own horse one day. Also note that here in Califrnia, the riding stable owners also own an adjacent vineyard–thus the neccessity for a equestrian themed bottle opener. Cheers!

Star Style Inspiration: Michelle Obama

honeysucklechic — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:26:30 +0000

Our first lady is quite the chic dresser. Her sensible yet still elegant style has influenced many women. I adore her casual ensembles for travel and gardening in the white house lawns. The fitted jeans and black tights give her shape a slimming effect and the more loose-fitting blouses and cardigans allow her to move freely (a must when pulling weeds). While I enjoy keeping me eye open for which chic dress she’ll step out in next, I applaud her for wearing a white pant suit for a speaking engagement. This look is kept modern and non-fussy with the jersey knit tee and still first-lady appropriate with the multi-strand pearl necklace. (We all know that pearls are my fav too!) Which look of hers is your favorite? Did you start to notice the new lines of the designers she’s brought into the fashion spotlight? You can view all elements of Michelle Obama’s first-lady style here!

All images via InStyle.com

Bikinis on the Cheap!

honeysucklechic — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:05:24 +0000

Mmm…April is almost over, meaning that Summer is drawing closer! Time for me to really amp up my swimsuit shopping. I have already found the one-piece for this summer that is too perfect, but now I’m on the hunt for a fun flirty bikini…and I don’t want to spend too much. (I’d rather relinquish my cash at the swim-up pool bar instead!) Here a few chic sets that I found that aren’t that pricey…which is your fav?

Push-up halter top with double-string bottom, Top= $24, Bottom= $14.50
Ruffled triangle bikini set, Set= $36
Turquoise Gator Alley Bikini, Top= $58, Bottom= $68
Trina Turk Metallic Stripe Bikini, Top = $60, Bottom= 48
Jantzen Swimsuit, Top= $55, Bottom= $58
Brown Dots Mix & Match Bikini, Top=$16.50 , Bottom= $16.50

Ode to Louis Vuitton…

honeysucklechic — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:05:51 +0000

Louis Vuitton is my secret lover…

I adore these handbags with a passion! I LOVE THEM…exclusively! If I could purchase (collect) only one designer handbag for my entire life, I would promptly state Louis Vuitton. Something about the expertly crafted leather, the shine of the gold locks and zippers, or the sound of a heavy-duty clasp closing–they just embody luxury to me. I received my first Louis as a birthday gift my senior year of college, my mother’s vintage Speedy. This first gift was fuel to my designer fire…I couldn’t have just one! My second Louis was a college graduation gift from my mother also, the Beverly PM. This is the most beautiful handbag…an investment piece that I will carry for many many years. My most recent Louis acquisition was a Christmas gift from the fiancé, the vertical lockit. This is the perfect handbag to carry everyday—something small, but versatile enough to hold all my random handbag necessities (i.e.= lunch, lip glosses, sunglasses, wedding inspiration pages ripped from bridal magazines, etc).

: images via http://louisvuitton.com

Here’s a link to my besties at InStyle for a complete and fun history of the Louis Vuitton brand. Check out these lovely ladies who love them some Louis Vuitton too…sometimes…even men…

Images vie People.com

Wear Only A Shirt!

honeysucklechic — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:26:26 +0000

Well…you thought the only dress that I loved were shifts! There is such satisfaction in wearing just a shirtdress…maybe it’s the polished look it gives women of all shapes or maybe it’s that shirtdresses are the closest I’ll be to wearing my sleeping shirt out in public! Whichever it is, I can confess that I adore donning a chic casual shirtdress while running errands on the weekend (that’s why I love that Tory item below) or slipping on a crisp brightly colored version for work (nodding to the beautiful Kate Spade below). Much like shifts, shirtdresses are easy to accessorize, dress up or down, and my favorite—always make me appear put together. Plus they give me an additional excuse to wear my fancy pearls; I love how pearls look when they peak out of the collared necklines!

Tutti Fruitti, Kate Spade Calista Shirtdress $355
Yellow, Eliza J Belted Stretch Cotton Shirtdress $128
Brown & Cream, Getme Pinstriped Shirtdress $68
Chambray, Tory Burch “Brigitte” Mini Shirtdress $275
Periwinkle, Nanette Lepore ‘Wind Swept’ Dress $348
Turquoise, Eliza J Ruffle Front Linen Blend Shirtdress $118