A Reason to Celebrate

Ok, so I have a little something to share with you guys today that is SO exciting for me....

I was recently approached to do an interview and photoshoot about A Blonde Ambition with Celebrate Arkansas Magazine for their July issue and, (of course), I said yes! It was released yesterday and I couldn't be happier with the finished product.


In addition to getting to talk about the blog, I also got to visit two of my favorite stores in Fayetteville and choose pieces to be spotlighted in the feature.


You can check out the digital version here!


A special thanks goes out to the lovely and oh-so-talented Jena Anderson who coordinated and wrote the article, photographer Jason Hudson and the team at Celebrate. Also, a big thank-you to Maude and Lola Boutique!

And lastly, but most importantly, a BIG "gracias" to you amazing readers. You guys continue to rock my world more and more everyday.

Be blessed, lovelies-








Photo credits: Celebrate Arkansas Magazine , Jason Hudson for Hudson Photography

Workin' on My Fitness

Happy Tuesday. Or Tyoooozday, as my middle school vice principal used to pronounce it, (she was very southern.)

Ok, so I’m channeling my inner Jillian Michael’s today (minus the 6 pack abs) to talk fitness, since I am the picture of self-control and discipline ; )

I kid, I kid. Actually I need some friendly fitness advice from you fine, fabulously-toned folks (oh alliteration, how doth I love thee?)

Despite my near fatal experience at the Level 4 Powerflow Yoga class, I have actually continued to go back to the gym/yoga center for more. What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment.

You see, I have a sexy trip planned to California next month and frankly, I would like to look hot. I’m single and 25, so I can have shallow, self-serving goals like that, right?

Well anywho… I’ve been faithfully hitting the elliptical and treadmill, dutifully plowing away on the stationary bike and relentlessly perfecting my downward facing dog, all in hopes of doing justice to my bikini next month. And though I’m pretty darn content with my weight and overall physique, I would still like to shed a couple more inches all over prior to hitting the beach. Or as they call it in the fitness world, I would like to “shred”.

In summary, I think I’ve hit a plateau. Guh. The single most dreaded word in the exercise dictionary.

So I’m turning to you, my loyal friends and blogmates to help me on my quest to lose those last couple inches; to get me out of my work-out rut.

I mean, I almost considered buying a Gazelle the other night, but then I remembered: A) That there is nowhere to store a Gazelle in my tiny place and, B) I’m a little skeptical of buying any workout equipment from a guy with a mullet-ponytail. Sorry Tony Little.

Help a sister out, ya’ll. What suggestions do you have for blowing past a fitness plateau?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: FGR

Divine in Dallas

Greetings and happy Monday, friends! I hope you all enjoyed a most delightful weekend and are fully ready to take on the week ahead.

Whilst surfing the web last night, (do people still say "surfing"? probably not..), I stumbled upon this spread from D Magazine which featured the Dallas digs of Kari and Kirby Schlegel. If these drool-worthy pics don't put some pep in your step this morning, then you may need to refill your Starbucks and come back again later : )

The Schlegel siblings occupy 12,200 sumptuous square feet of the W Tower in Dallas with their aptly named, "Victory" space.

You see, Kari Schlegel fell in love with high-rise living during a brief stint in NYC where she worked as an intern for Tory Burch. When she finally returned to the Big D in 2007, she had no interest in purchasing a house, but she DID want a place at the W.

In a coincidental turn of events, Kari's brother Kirby also wanted a place at the W, so the siblings decided to purchase a corner unit and co-habitate. Cool, huh?

Decorator Jan Showers used ideas from Domino magazine (God rest its soul) and color schemes inspired by the collections of Tory Burch.

All rooms of the unit pop with colorful accents such as yellow French Louis XVI chairs and fun animal prints. The space is wonderfully uncluttered, making it the perfect place to throw a party and host weekend guests, (something both of the Schlegel siblings enjoy.)

A marble and white bathroom is a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

Kari's favorite room of the house is the massive industrial kitchen, which makes for the perfect space to experiment with new recipes and whip up old favorites.

And please, let's not even talk about the craziness of this shoe closet....um, heaven much?

Well, I hope your day is as brilliant and bright as this living space : )

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: D Magazine

A Southern Belle's Guide to Surviving Summer

Hello dolls, (and happy Friday!) The High Heel Mafia has returned this week to talk about a very crucial topic: Summer beauty products.

Here in Arkansas, (well, basically anywhere in the south right now), it is sweltering. Seriously, within 10 minutes of being out in this heat and humidity, your carefully applied make-up just melts right off. And as far as hair goes…forget it. We ladies below the Mason Dixon line usually opt for the ponytail during this season because our weather is not too kind to coifs.

So, we’ve devised a little summer survival list of our favorite beauty loot. All items are High Heel Mafia-used-and-approved, and we think ya’ll will dig em’ too:

Leslie’s Picks

1. Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer- {$65 from Sephora}

This miracle-in-a-jar isn’t cheap, but it is phenomenal. It’s a great day or night cream that provides just enough moisture to your face without making it shiny.

2. Fresh brand Soy Facial Cleanser- {$35 from Sephora}

With its all-natural ingredients and fresh, cucumber scent, this is the best summertime cleanser I’ve ever used. It’s gentle enough to double as an eye-makeup remover and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and purged of all ickiness.

3. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder- {$28 from MAC Cosmetics}

I put this on last year’s “Fave Beauty Product” list and, not surprisingly, it made the list again. This stuff stands up to hours of lying by the pool or power shopping at the outdoor mall. Get thee to a make-up counter and snag some now.

4. O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper- {$24 from Sephora}

This might be the coolest lip gloss ever…I’m just sayin. You see, it reacts with your own body heat to create a lovely au’ natural glow and makes your pout look ever so juicy and kissable.

5. Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner- {price varies, see Aveda salons for details}

This is a must year-round for me, but especially during May-August. It repairs the damage of chlorinated pools, tanning beds (yep, those fry your hair and your skin, double score!) and flat irons and renders my strands oh-so-silky smooth and soft.

Dee’s Picks

1. David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray- {$9.95 from dbwildaid.com}

I read about this stuff in In-Style magazine last summer and just had to try it for myself. On those days when the humidity is 200% here in the south, (which is often), I skip the flat iron and opt for "crazy hair", as I like to call it. One spritz of this and my hair is beach-chic.

2. TIGI Bed Head After-Party- {price varies, see a TIGI salon for details}

This serum smooths my hair when it's straight, add gloss when it's wavy or provides sheen when it's pulled up. One bottle lasts forever.

3. Snag-Free Hair Elastics in Clear- {$3.50 from Sephora}

A girl can never have too many hair elastics. On rainy days, hot and humid days or days when I just don't want to get up and deal with my hair, I grab one of these. A sleek ponytail or messy up-do can look great no matter what the weather is like or how late you got up for work (oops ; )

4. H2O (We prefer SmartWater)- {$3 per bottle at Target, but any aqua will do}

Sounds simple right? It's super-important to hydrate before and after going out in the sun or if you're planning to indulge in a few frozen concoctions or lemon drop martinis. Stay well-hydrated this summer ladies, your skin and body will thank you.

So there you have it; HHM's survival guide to looking gorge this summer. Whatever you’re doing this weekend, wherever your wheels take you, be safe, be happy, and most of all-

Be blessed, lovelies-

HHM

P.S.- A VERY special thanks to Leigh Ashley for passing along the Sugar Doll award...it totally made my afternoon! If you haven't visited her blog, you are so missing out : )

Photo credits: Coco + Kelley

Summer Soirees: {Mad Men}

I was skimming some event planning sites last night for inspiration for today’s summer soiree post and looky looky what I found...

A Mad Men-inspired party theme from Hostess with the Mostess

I became a fan of this show about a year ago after a couple of friends suggested I tune in. I work in marketing and it’s so funny to see how things have evolved over the years in the world of advertising.

The wardrobe and set styling of this show are phenomenal and many trends of the moment in fashion and home decor, (cat-eye sunglasses, bouffant hair, lucite furniture, etc.), spawned from the Mad Men craze.

I mean, how ridiculously fun would this theme be for a house-warming party or birthday celebration?

Let’s take a closer look.

The use of fun retro colors like lime green, marigold, robin’s egg blue and bright white are totally fresh for summer.

Even better, there’s no need to go out and purchase expensive centerpieces or decorations. Raid your grandma’s attic or a local antique store for unique vintage items, like an old typewriter or funky hat box to add some flair to your party scene.

Sites like Social Couture and Spoon Sisters offer up tons of options for napkins, dinnerware and hostess gifts that are wonderfully retro and inexpensive, (like the vintage cocktail coasters from SS below.)

When choosing party favors, consider the following:

For the ladies, hand out non-prescriptive horn-rimmed eye glasses (with plastic lenses, of course) or massive faux pearl necklaces (get em’ at Claire’s or The Icing for $2 a pop) for a precious parting gift.

For the gents, boxes of candy cigars or funky clip-on bow ties make nifty souvenirs.

And how perfect would these invitations from Traylor Papers be for this theme? I heart both of the designs below:

Another clever idea might be to “assign” everyone a character for the evening. Simply include a nametag for the assigned character, (Joan, Betty, Don, Peggy, etc.), inside the invitation for each guest and have them roleplay for the night. Sure, it's kinda kitschy, but it will totally get everyone in the Mad Men spirit.

Ok, before I run off, I need to send out a shout out to my lil' furbaby Max, who is celebrating his 8th birthday today! Happy birthday Maxer…mommy loves you : )

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Hostess with the Mostess, Traylor Papers, Spoon Sisters

Trend Watch Wednesday: Head Wraps

Here's something to wrap your head around...er, um, rather something to wrap around your head.

Designers and fashionistas around the country are embracing the quintessential boho accessory the head wrap this summer. From music fests to red carpets to the silver screen (shout-out to Carrie Bradshaw in SATC2), chicas everywhere are adorning their noggins with this latest turban-esque trend.

I tend to love everything bohemian, so it will come as no surprise that I'm a proponent of the head wrap. I found some way cute wraps on Etsy last night:

Silk Turban with Crystal Chain Headwrap from LELETNY ($60)

Nautical Trends Turban Headwrap from lolaAlexander

Leather Braided Turban with Studded Center from LELETNY ($60)

Teal and Coral Floral Vintage Scarf from LOOKs ($18)

Tangled Rope and Crystal Headwrap from LELETNY ($60)

I'm kind of into this, but I'm curious to know what you think. Are you all wrapped up in this trend or will you stick to headbands and hats for a while longer?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: lolaAlexander, LOOKs, LELETNY, Fashion Gone Rogue

Let's Take a Dip...

{Above: Elie Saab's infinity pool at his home in Beirut}

...in one of these swimming pools from Elle Decor's latest feature. Grab your towell and air mattress and let's go...

While the rest of us are truckin' it to the local country club or community center, Hollywood's elite can practice their backstroke in the comfort of their own luxurious swimming holes.

Want to see where the stars cool off? Me too. Let's take a look:

Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley created this beautiful escape in the backyard of her Manhattan townhouse. Long and narrow, the pool is the perfect size and shape for Rowley and her family to relax after a hard day of designing amazing clothes : )

Above, the modernist pool design of Coach President Reed Krakoff's beach retreat comes complete with a pool house.

This was my second favorite, (we'll get to my favorite-favorite momentarily.) It belongs to Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor and I LOVE IT. With its heavy Spanish and Middle Eastern style influences, this outdoor oasis is fit for a king...or a king of comedy.

Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo wanted her pool to look like something straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. I think she nailed it.

And now, my favorite. Of course it would belong to none other than the très fabuleux clothing designer, Roberto Cavalli. Notice those animal print lounge cushions? To die for, I tell you.

Want to see more star-worthy swimming holes? Click on over to Elle Decor and check out the feature for yourself.

Which of the pools would you most like to take a dip in?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Elle Decor