Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Baggage Claim

Packed and ready. Texas, here I come!

I am madly obsessed with these lip-glosses, and Bec makes fun of their quilted tops. She says they are Chanel wannabe’s. I however, do not care and am willing to safe a buck or two. I have an entire Revlon rainbow in my bag.

Trina Turk is a favorite designer of mine, so when I saw a dress of hers online earlier this summer, I knew I couldn’t let it go. I had one of my favorite stores in Huntsville order it for me, and it’s just been waiting to make its debut!

I searched long and hard to find the perfect shoes for my rehearsal dinner dress, and finally, Diane von Furstenburg to the rescue!

Amanda and Judd came to visit me in Huntsville this past April, and while they were here, Amanda introduced me to some of her new favorite products. When she showed me her designer deodorant, I thought it was the most ridiculous splurge I had ever seen… until I bought my own.

Actually, THIS dress will not be making it into my bags. I thought it was cute when I saw it in the store, BUT, it was Lilly Pulitzer. I do not own, nor will I ever own a dress by Lilly Pulitzer, so in my defense, I convinced myself it didn’t really look like the preppy pastel designer’s work. I was frantically calling the state of Alabama and searching the city of Huntsville for a perfect size 4, when a realization occurred to me, “Am I really going through all this trouble for a Lilly Pulitzer??”. H to tha NO. Done. I called the game on account of Rebecca Taylor. I guess Mary-Kate Olsen was right. Never say “never” when it comes to fashion.


I recently read in a magazine that Kate Middleton had Westminster Abby filled with her favorite Jo Malone fragrances, so naturally, I BBM’d Bec to tell her the good news. And of course, her response, “Well, my god, the wedding cost 12 million, what’s a little Jo Malone?” And people are STILL wondering where I get my sass.

Nectarine Blossom and Honey just came out when I went to Chicago last year, and I just had to lather up. It’s been my savior of a scent since, and I can’t wait to try her latest addition, Wild Bluebell!

Photo snag! I’m giving this magazine clipping to the lady doing our make-up on the day of the wedding. I thought Cammy Cam rocked the red carpet at her premier of Bad Teacher with her light eyes.

And last, but not least, because I absolutely cannot forget this item, my bridesmaid dress.

Email to Amanda this morning.

In every interview I have had in the past two years, there is one question commonly asked for me to answer. “What would your friends say about you?” and as I gather my thoughts and start explaining the fact I have no sisters, so my friends are my sisters, we are very close, and we always make each other a priority and challenge each other to be a better person, tears start to form in my eyes and I quickly make an effort to gather myself, and all this time, I am thinking of you. I’m thinking of you because you are the friend who holds me accountable, encourages me to walk everyday with Christ, to love others unconditionally and to always go above and beyond for those in my life. You have taught me so many lessons during our five years of friendship that have encouraged me to be a better person and friend. You’ve taught me these things not through your words, but through your actions. You were the friend driving to the drugstore when I was sick and away from home freshman year, you were the friend picking me up for class, so I wouldn’t have to search an hour for a parking spot in C Zone, you were the friend who would always answer their phone when I needed guidance and understanding, and you were the friend who I could always count on being there for anything I ever needed. All these things, and the list goes on, made me realize you were someone special and I wanted to have the same love and care you had for me for my family and friends. You are someone very dear to me, and you’re in my everyday life. The things you have taught me, and the things I have learned during our friendship are lessons and experiences God is continuously reminding me of. Thank you for being my sister.

XO, Chas

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Cabo! Wabo!

After all, it all began in Mary Lane Hall. I found my friend for life on an August day in 2006. Looking back, I could have never predicted the blessing God gave me on that elevator ride to the second floor. She was from a big city, a plane ride away, and her words of kindness immediately revealed the Christ in her. So, this week, I will be boarding a plane to spend a few days in Dallas to celebrate her wedding weekend. She’s one of the most important and special people I have in my life, and I love her dearly.

So, with the days quickly approaching, I have a gathered a few items to help Amanda set sail on her new adventure in STYLE!


Chains and whips excited me. Yes, I promise they do, and I do realize this might be a bit misleading for lingerie, but I thought this set the perfect scene for a relaxing honeymoon in Mexico. I found this blue and green tunic at Neimans, and Dallas being the home of Neiman Marcus, I couldn’t let it go. O-Lay to Natori!
Recently, my Mom has asked me to stop wearing loads blush. But when I’m applying, I just get carried away. I love my NARS and think everyone should be as passionate about it as Muah.
Shuh-shay-DOE done done it. Love this brand, and I never go to the beach without an SPF lip balm.

A new product for me, but the guy at Sephora talked me into it. Genius idea he said, “powder SPF with a beautiful wand that directly applies, here allow me to assist…”

There’s no one better to give decorating advice when you’re changing your address. We’re going straight to the top.

Us at the Spanish Steps in 2009.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The One and Only












Happy Birthday, to my forever friend…

We were driving down I-85. It was a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in July, a typical summer day in the South. Chasley and I were headed south towards Birmingham to shop. If you have been around the two of us for more than 10 minutes, you know that we are usually laughing. Laughing and talking LOUDLY that is. Not this afternoon. As Colbie Caillat’s “I Never Told You” is playing over and over again, tears are running down my beet red cheeks. Do you have a friend who always sticks with you? Even when you’re a mess? Someone who encourages you? Someone who will just be sad with you? Through the ups and downs of the past year, Chasley has not once left my side. She is constant. She is loyal. Just last week we were chatting about running and boys and the cute new dress she snagged at Unclaimed. One day we will be talking about the latest Polident cream for our dentures. I will probably call Chasley and tell her that my roomate at Hillsprings nursing home is driving me crazy. When I break my hip for the first time, I know that Chas will be at my bedside with fresh flowers. Yep, we will be friends forever.

Chasley, I am so thankful for the friend that you are. You encourage me by the way you love people. You constantly put others before yourself. You have one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. I am proud to call you my friend. I consider your family my own. Happy Birthday. May 23 be your best year yet.

Proverbs 31: 30-31 “Charm is deceptive; and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

I love you,
Em



Friday, November 19, 2010

Gwynies Got It

Easy on the Eyes

Cupcake Cafe. Bec and I weren't going to leave NYC without a taste of Manhattan's finest confections. We even took one back to the man at our hotel who loaded our luggage. It was his birthday, so we left him a note saying, "from your Alabama girls!".

My mom's on a mad search for these plates for my wedding.

THEY are timeless.

Henri Matisse. One of my new favorites.

There's nothing better than a good afternoon of dress-up.