Billie Jean

Tiny Tutu

Once we moved to Houston a little over a month ago, I started Tory in creative ballet and gymnastics. I knew she would love it because she dances her booty off all over the house, especially when Boston or some classic rock comes on over the radio. I've been waiting for her to be old enough so I could put her in some activity/sport -so finally this little three year old is out of the house and in something fun! So now she's in preschool and dance!! She's growing up!! 

Here she does her "sweet pose" and then she was trying to do a twirl in the second one. I love this tiny tutu and it is my favorite color. I think the blue looks so sweet up against her red curls. I just love pink and blue together (but that's because I'm biased -Go Delta Gamma). She did a few more poses for me. Sometimes she is just in the mood to strut her stuff and then others she is not. 

The Wedding Guest

||Dress, Ted Baker via Nordstrom||Clutch, Ted Baker via Nordstrom||Pumps, DV by Dolce Vita via Nordstrom||Earrings, Alexis Bittar via Nordstrom||

Easter

||Dress, Anthropologie||Hat, Anthropologie||Clutch, J.Crew Factory||Jewelry, Kendra Scott||Heels, DVF via Nordstrom||Sunglasses, Missoni (old)||

Happy Easter!! Hope everyone is enjoying their day!! It is nice that retail considers this a holiday, so I can stay home and enjoy the holiday with my family!!! It was fun putting out the eggs this morning in the back yard. Tory got two bunnies and a new book about manners along with some yummy candy!! She was too adorable running around finding her eggs. She had the biggest smile on her little face. These are the moments that are so sweet and memorable!! 

I absolutely love this dress. It reminds me of the dress that Carrie Bradshaw wears to see Big at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park restaurant in Sex & The City. Ya know, the episode where they fall into the pond because Carrie thinks Big is leaning in for a kiss and she tries to dodge him. One of my favorite episodes. And one of my favorite outfits worn by the fashion icon, Carrie Bradshaw. I just googled the dress and it is almost identical the one that I am wearing. I am a SATC nerd. 

Joey and I took Tory to see her first movie in the theatre. We were hesitant but she's really great with movies at the house. She used to only sit there for the first 30 minutes and then she progressed to about 45 and now she'll sit there for the whole film. So we were being brave today and wanted to go out and do something special so we decided to see Mr. Peabody & Sherman. She got out of her seat aka my lap a few times but for the most part, I think she did really well. So we will possibly take her to see another movie real soon. 

The Pear

The pear cut shaped diamond. When I look at it what do I see?? Elegance, beauty & a piece of "frosting" that is incredibly unique. A pear cut diamond isn't for everyone. It is for those who can appreciate the things in life that are a little bit different.

This is my grandmother's ring. The ring that my grandfather passed down to me when I got married. Last May, right before Joey & I's second wedding anniversary, Joey took me to look at rings for the big day. And what shape was I drawn to? The pear. I fell in love with it right away. It's not a shape that you see on too many people. And that's a positive thing. Who wants to see their ring on everyone else? So when Brilliant Earth contacted me about doing this post and picking out my favorite diamond shape, I didn't really have to think about it too much. I already knew what shape I was going to pick.

Brilliant Earth is an engagement ring website that has some of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen!! Ah, my eyes!! Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!! If I was a bride-to-be or a man in search for the perfect ring for his perfect lady, I'd have a hard time picking which one I liked best!! The company is extremely well-rounded and has a big heart. Their mission is "to transform the jewelry industry by demonstrating transparency, responsibility, and compassion." And how are they different? First, they have a beyond conflict free guarantee, second, they use recycled precious metals, and third, they give back 5% of their profits. 

Here is my favorite pear cut shaped diamond from Brilliant Earth, along with a style board that I put together:

Photo Source: BHLDN & Brilliant Earth

A link to all of the women's wedding rings here and their engagment rings here. You can also check out their antique rings, custom made rings, their top 20 rings and men's wedding rings. There are too many choices!! Good luck picking just one!! 

Do you like the pear shape as well?? When you look at the pear shaped diamond, what do you see?? Or what do you think of? I instantly start singing, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." I also think of Vivienne Leigh. The first word that comes to mind is "vintage" ...closely followed by "unique." And, I of course always think of the fruit. I know that's silly, but it's true. One last thing, I picture a bride who is styled in a short dress, with a birdcage veil and eating pastel colored macaroons.

Invade Magazine

CREATE AND CONQUER

Invade is "produced by a small team in New Orleans LA, with content contributions from writers and photographers from all over the United States." Invade is the Solange Knowles of magazines. Hip, artistic, and unique. Instead of reading another magazine about celebrities, Invade likes to shine the light on the "thinkers, doers, and creators" who are a little less known but who are just as interesting. It is a "lifestyle brand for the indie [and] creative ...we embody fashion, music, nightlife and the arts." The print magazine comes out every quarter but you can find material that is uploaded daily on their blog. There are also in-person events, dinners, and workshops you can attend if you are seeking to get more involved. 

Whenever I was contacted by the founder, Justin Shiels, and asked if I wanted to receive a copy of their first issue, I was very intrigued from the get-go. I didn't know what to expect and I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to find a brand that is both fairly new and well put together. I've been living in Baton Rouge for almost two years now and I haven't found a magazine or publication that reaches out to me from an artistic point of view. Art, photography, fashion, and music have been such a huge part of my life (I come from a family of artists, musicians, and singers) so I am a very visual. Invade is visually appealing and it is a collection of beautifully, well-written articles, and photographs, that I was happy to gaze at and read from cover to cover. 

 "An Invader is a tastemaker who is interested in experiencing everything life has to offer. Someone who questions the media status quo; someone who believes that artistry, imagination, and ingenuity are the key to creating a meaningful society."

 If you are interested in submitting any creative material, you can do so on their website here. Invade is interested to see your submissions from all over the United States. They want to highlight great talent from all over! So if you have anything that is fashion, film, music, photography or illustration related then go for it and submit your work! I am actually thinking about doing it! You can also go here for more information about how to be a contributor. GO INVADE!!