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Monday, August 29, 2011

Giveaway Monday and the shirt that grows!

Happy Monday!  I sincerely hope that all of you had fantastic weekends.  Mine was extremely interesting and wonderful.  I had another run in with a cicada, however I refuse to ramble on about this previous attack.  The only thing I'm going to say is that I'm about 99% positive that the entire population of these hideous creatures are out to get me personally.  No joke.

I received a text message on Saturday, from a lovely friend of mine who happened to be at the Minneapolis airport for a layover.  She had stumbled upon a store called "Fly Babies" and proceeded to send me this gem of a picture...

 First of all, I couldn't believe this was for children.  They totally look like something a gaudy, old woman would wear.  I was very appreciative that the box (Yes, that's right.  They come in a box.) says, "The shirt that grows."  I guess that would seem appealing to some parents.  Maybe some that have had a lobotomy.   I was able to google the "Lil Kernels Popcorn Shirts" and find them on another website.  Here is what they look like on a child...

 I don't care WHAT your child has done, no one deserves to have to wear something this ridiculous.  I hope the people producing these atrocities realize that they are producing children that will most likely have a strange fear of popcorn boxes for years to come.

Oh, wait.  I don't think they do, because I just found something else.  These people aren't just torturing their children, they are also torturing themselves!  I found this picture on ThisNext.com:




Underneath the picture, there happened to be this customer review:

"This is absolutely wonderful... I was waiting to find a shirt that makes me look three sizes BIGGER than I already AM... PERFECT! So now whenever I wear anything else people will ask if I've lost weight!"

I wasn't going to say it, but these are my sentiments exactly.  I'm sorry, but this rant couldn't wait until Wednesday.

Now, my momma didn't raise a fool.  I know what you ladies are doing here!  You are here for none other than Giveaway Monday!  Today E.Leigh's is giving away this lovely necklace...

 This is another one of those fabulous pieces I picked up this month at the Dallas Market.  It will be available at E.Leigh's this week after the winner is announced!

Due to the amount of emails I have received regarded how difficult blogger has made it to "join" a site and comment, we are changing the rules of the game.  

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Make sure you are an E.Leigh's Facebook Fan.  If you are not, you can become a fan here.
2. Tag yourself in the E.Leigh's Giveaway Picture (It will be available on the E.Leigh's fan page) and leave a comment stating whether you would keep the necklace for yourself or give it as a gift.  It will look like this...
If for some odd reason someone isn't on Facebook, they could also follow the old instructions: Click "Join our site" underneath the "Followers" tab on the left side of the screen AND leave a comment on this post stating why they want to win the necklace and if they would keep it or give it as a gift.

You have until Tuesday at midnight (Central Standard Time) to enter to win!

Until we meet again...
Wishing you light, love, and lots of Giveaway Monday luck!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Snakeskin and Sequins and Leather, OH MY!

Oh me, oh my, fall is right around the corner!  Due to my overwhelmingly busy schedule today, I regret to inform you that I can't stay long and chat.  I can however stay long enough to convey to you how excited I am about some of this year's fall fashions.

Here are a few of the looks I'm totally dying for:


Tie neck Blouses, flared jeans, and feminine tweed jackets?  Lord!  What have we done to deserve such fabulous things this Fall??




Ok, call me crazy but I am absolutely thrilled about all the shorts in different fabrics craze.  Hello, faux leather shorts!  Sequins...I foresee lots of sequins in my future and definitely a faux snakeskin clutch. You don't have to be a psychic to figure that out.  And if you aren't a fan of taupe suede boots, then I think our friendship ends here.  



Ta ta for now, my lovelies!  Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and a glorious fashion filled weekend!  

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Advice from an un-guru (or whatever the antonym of guru is)

Hello pretties!  Today I am going to skew from our usual posts (is anyone surprised?) and try something new.

Earlier this week, I happened to get a letter from an E.Leigh’s blog reader asking for my advice.  As I read through the email that this lovely reader sent, I thought, “Hmmm…I’m sure she isn’t the ONLY person out there who has this issue.  I should post it on the blog and then share some suggestions so that others may be able to benefit from it.”  So, after getting permission from the author of the email, I am posting and responding. 

If any of you have any helpful tips for this fabulous reader, I urge you to share them!  Besides, what fun is this when I’m the only one blabbering on?  Who knows?  Maybe we will start a little weekly advice column here at E.Leigh’s

Before we begin, I would like to just throw it out there that I (by no means) think of myself as a fashion guru.  I am not.  For example, I am sitting here writing this in a sweatshirt and sweatpants looking as if I am the next makeover candidate for “What Not to Wear.”  Like I said, you will not find any fashion gurus here.  I simply enjoy it and therefore enjoy sharing my enjoyment with you guys.  If by some off chance I am able to help someone in the process, then that’s just swell too.

Here is this week's advice email:

Hello!

I look forward to your blog, and I was wondering if you had any advice should you have the time.   I'm a 8-5 girl plus I'm starting school again so my love for heels has to be put on hold as I have a lot of walking to do! I work during the day and go straight to class via public transportation so I'm trying to come up with fashionable yet appropriate outfits for work involving different flats and flat boots.  I love the idea of shift dresses with flats and prefer pretty and feminine style, but was wondering if you had any other ideas, especially for a apple shape with a big ol bust and tummy! (ok so it's not thaaat big but I'm 5'3, 34D and wear a size 12)   I could sure use any advice!  And of course if you don't have time, please don't feel bad! Just wondered if you had any quick thoughts!

Thanks bunches!

8 to 5 in Austin 

Dear 8 to 5,

I completely understand your concern considering I have been a career/school girl myself, and those make for some pretty long days!  Kudos to you for having that much stamina!


When I was having to abide by office protocol and sport office appropriate attire, there were a few closet staples that I couldn't go a week without utilizing during the fall/winter months.  I highly suggest investing in all of these layering pieces:


A good, thick pair of black leggings
A well-fitted black blazer
A pair of nice black tights


All of these things come in handy!  Especially on those off mornings when you are running late, forgot to pick up the dry cleaning, and need to turn a spring dress into winter attire rather quickly.  No, seriously.  I have had MANY of those mornings.  Actually, it was in many of those mornings some of my favorite outfits were born.


As for outfit ideas, I was a huge fan of the sweater dress in the fall and winter.  They are so effortless and look so stinkin' chic.  Give me a sweater dress, leggings, flat boots, a jacket, and a scarf any day!  Well, I don't want it in the dead of summer so I guess not ANY day. 


I also found that my riding boots looked great with my skinny cigarette pants.  If they would have sold them in 10 different colors, I would have bought them.  They tucked in perfectly without bunching, and all I had to do was throw on a sassy blouse and "Voila!"  There you have a comfy, yet totally work appropriate, outfit.  


I went ahead and put together a few outfits that I would be wearing if I was still back at the ol' grindstone.  Hopefully, they will provide you with some inspiration.


Good luck with starting back school, and may you be the best dressed girl at the office and on campus!  


xx
Erin


Told ya I love cigarette pants!


Pants & Blazer-Top Shop
Blouse-Forever 21
Boots-Piperlime 
Purse & Earrings-E.Leigh's



Jacquard skirt?  Yes, please!  Shirt tucked in, jacket on, and you're ready to go!
Skirt, Blouse, & Blazer- Top Shop
Purse- E.Leigh's
Flats- Piperlime






If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of neutrals.  They're just so chic!
Jacket & Crops- Top Shop
Lace Tank- Forever 21
Earrings- E.Leigh's
Flats -Available at E.Leigh's September '11




Every girl deserves a color blocked dress.  Period.  
Dress-Top Shop
Bag & Earrings- E.Leigh's
Flats- Zappos

Have a question?  I MAY have an answer!  (I told you I can't promise guru quality or anything.)  Email me at Sales@ELeighs.com.  If I don't know the answer, I'm extraordinarily good at googling.  


Thanks for letting me go all Dolly Pardon in "Straight Talk" on you.  Until we meet again...
Wishing you light, love, and a beauty-filled Thursday.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

"What were they thinking?" Wednesday & the Winner of the FABULOUS Gold Studs!

First of all, I would like to sincerely apologize for skipping Tuesday's Beg, Borrow, or Steal post.  I can't say it won't happen again, because I assure you it will happen again.  As if this comes as a shock to anyone, I'm officially declaring that I'm not perfect.  (Anyone who read last Wednesday's post, is already aware of this.)  Sorry I'm not sorry.  In the words of Kathy Griffin, "I will not apologize."  I will NOT apologize.


Alrighty, I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles to find out who won these little beauties. (I'm aware that you aren't that excited about it, but they are very cute!)
The winner is...
Brooke Harris!
Brooke said...



Brooke, email me at Sales@ELeighs.com with your shipping address and I will get them out to you this weekend!  Congrats!

Ok, now on to today's post.  Finally!  

We all make mistakes.  There isn't a person on the planet who doesn't do something at some point during their stint on this Earth that they think, "Gosh, I really wish I would have made a different decision."  If you have never had that thought, email me because I want you as my new mentor.  The people in these pictures were just unlucky enough that someone took a picture of them wearing their mistakes.  Bless their hearts.  (Did you see how I did that?  I just exonerated myself from any feelings of guilt brought on by saying something bad about these people with three little words, "Bless their hearts." Love it.)

And here we are...

Britney is back, and she doesn't look better than ever.  Who thinks to themselves, "Hmm...all my camisoles are dirty, I guess I'll just throw on this string bikini as an undershirt." or "This hat will look perfect with my holy fishnets." It's all wrong... just plain wrong.


The King is back...and with a camel toe?




I'm pretty sure these ladies and I had the same hairstylist in 1989.  I wonder if their mothers cried when they came home with their new 'do's too?




Someone needs to tell this jokester that bigger doesn't always mean better....especially when it comes to hair style and sleeve length.  Who told him he looked good in this?  I want to talk to THAT person.  

Wowza!  The vest, the windmill, the awkward poses...yep, it just made my day.  Don't you know these women are looking at this picture thinking, "How could we ever think this was a good idea?"  Maybe I'm just hoping they are thinking that.

This week's edition of "What were they thinking?" Wednesday has come to an end.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope it gave you a few chuckles, and until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and a fabulous Hump Day!  

Monday, August 22, 2011

Giveaway Monday and the Attack of the Locust (sort of)

Well, well, well....here we meet again.  I am sincerely glad to be able to greet each and every one of you this morning, and when I say "glad" I really mean grateful.  I'm feeling very grateful to be alive this morning.

So, for a little over a week now I have been housesitting for my friend Suzy and her fiance Ryan.  They live in a very safe neighborhood and have the most precious chocolate lab named, Budrow. (We commonly refer to him as "Bu.")  He is an absolute doll, but I forgot to mention that Bu is GINORMOUS!  I mean BIG, people.  As in 130lbs big.  So, for the past week, it has been me, Bu, and my precious little puppy dog, Penny.  Penny and Bu make quite the odd pair, considering that Penny is all of about 15lbs, but they've gotten along great.

Here is a pic of Bu and Penny, just to show you how huge Bu is.



I would be completely fibbing if I said that I didn't have a little trouble falling asleep the first couple of nights in a strange house all by my lonesome.  I live alone, but when it's your apartment and you are gated in, and 3 stories up you don't worry about someone breaking in near as much.  In my head, I had everything planned out if someone were to try to break in and attack.  I would count on big ol' Budrow to attack the guy (or girl) while I got the gun.  Now here are the problems with me using a gun:
1.  I have never used a gun in my life.  My family isn't a gun kind of family, so it makes me extraordinarily nervous to even be near one.
2.  Suzy told me where the handgun was located in case something happened and her exact instructions were, "Just pop the clip in, point, and shoot."  My question is, "What the heck is a clip?"

Pretty much what I'm telling you is that if I had to use that thing, I'd be in BIG trouble.

Well, last night at about 1:30AM we were attacked.  The dogs had woke me up to go outside to use the bathroom.  Groggy and squinty-eyed, I obliged and dragged myself out of bed to let them out to the backyard.

As I opened the door to let them out, the largest cicada (For those of you who aren't from Arkansas, they're like big locusts.) flew in the door.  I don't know about you ladies, but I am not the roughest, toughest broad on the block.  I fully admit that insects completely gross me out and are debilitatingly frightening to me.  I know it's silly, but I can't help it.  I know that they are completely harmless, but I do not ever want one in my vicinity.  What I'm trying to convey to you is my level of terror in this situation. If I wasn't able to kill this thing or persuade it to move its business elsewhere, I knew I would be awake for the rest of the night.  

I knew the gun was going to be no help in this situation I did the only thing I knew to do...let the dogs back in the house.  The cicada was flying all over the kitchen swarming the light.  This horrible beast caught little Penny's eye almost immediately, and she started barking at it.  Bu wasn't so impressed by it.  It wasn't until he sensed my fear that he decided he might need to take action.  All of the sudden, Budrow runs in to the kitchen and leaps into the air catching the cicada in his mouth.  It really was impressive.  If I hadn't been completely scarred stiff I would have been amazed.  He then starts to trot towards me as if he's bringing me a gift.  I begin to scream at him, "No, Bu!  Not in here!  No!"  So, he drops it in the living room.  It's still alive and trying to flutter, but it can't.  It was in this moment that Budrow really took one for our little team.  He swallowed the thing whole, and we all lived happily ever after.

No, on a serious note, I was so grateful.  I'm not sure what have been worse, someone actually breaking in or the cicada.  I feel confident that whatever situation arrises from here on out, big ol' precious Bu will take care of it for me.  Budrow is the new man in my life.  I wonder if he'll snake my drain too?

Alright, I know what you guys are actually here for...Giveaway Monday!  Today's giveaway came straight from my last visit to Market.  They were so cute, I had to buy a pair for myself.  And here they are....


These gold studs are not tiny studs.  They are actually larger than most, but not too large by any means.  They are absolutely precious, and are the perfect little add on to bring a little bit of fabulousness to an outfit.  I have already sported my pair twice.  

Due to the amount of emails I have received regarded how difficult blogger has made it to "join" a site and comment, we are changing the rules of the game.  

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Make sure you are an E.Leigh's Facebook Fan.  If you are not, you can become a fan here.
2. Tag yourself in the E.Leigh's Giveaway Picture (It will be available on the E.Leigh's fan page) and leave a comment stating what you would wear your new studs with.  It will look like this...



If for some odd reason someone isn't on Facebook, they could also follow the old instructions and leave a comment on this post stating what they would wear the studs with.

You have until Tuesday at midnight (Central Standard Time) to enter to win!

I'm so glad that you stopped by today, and I want to thank you for being so patient with my crazy antics. Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and lots of luck!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Weekend Special!


















Wishing you light, love, and lots of happy shopping!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Sometimes my words won't do.

Isn't this a glorious Friday?  The weather is beautiful, the weekend is right around the corner, and all seems to be right in the world.  Ok, well at least my world, and I'm hoping all is right in your world as well.  Today, instead of you guys reading my lengthy opinions about everything under the sun, I'm curious about what you guys think.  I want to share with you looks from a holiday lookbook by Dolce Vita and DV by Dolce Vita.  I'd love to know what your thoughts are.  Are you in love?  Are you just totally put off by one look?  Let it out!  Here's your time to shine!  Enjoy!


Until Monday...
Wishing you light, love, and a beautiful weekend.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Darling, it's always five o'clock somewhere...right?

Oh goody, goody gumdrops.  I’m always a little giddy when I start to write my post of the day, because honestly, the majority of the time I have absolutely no idea where it is going to take me.  Today, I’ve got one thing on the brain.  Cocktails.  That’s right…as in adult beverages.  I know it’s strange, this being a fashion blog and all, but it’s true.  I want happy hour, and I want it now.


One of the perks of  A: being self employed and B: working from home is that happy hour can really come at any time of the day.  Maybe it’s a two hour Sangria filled lunch at YaYa’s with a girlfriend? (Which I totally plan on partaking in today.)  Or maybe it’s a mid morning bloody mary on my balcony?  Like I said, it can come at anytime.   You can’t predict these things, ya know? 



Just to be clear, I by no means am a heavy drinker, but occasionally I enjoy partaking in a festive drink or two.  Ok, I admit it…sometimes three.  I’m sorry if I have offended anyone by discussing my relationship with adult beverages, but I feel that if anyone here is the type of person who would be put off by such a topic I would have already offended you about 10 posts ago and you wouldn’t even be reading this now. 

So, to break up the monotony of life in general, I have decided to post the recipe of the most delightful little cocktail concoction I came up with this past Saturday evening.  My goal was to share a relaxing evening with my girlfriends and I ended up stumbling across this gem of a drink.  I highly suggest making this at your next girl’s night.  Believe me, they will thank you for it.  It is purely divine.

E.Leigh’s Champagne Fizzies

1 can of frozen pineapple juice concentrate
1 can of frozen raspberry lemonade
1-1.5 liters of  ginger ale (I kind of taste it as I go along and add more or less according)
2 cups of strawberry, kiwi vodka (Really any yummy flavored vodka will do, but strawberry kiwi is what I had.)
2 bottles of champagne
1 package of frozen raspberries

Mix together the first four ingredients.  This recipe is rather forgiving so go ahead and add more or less vodka and ginger ale depending on what kind of mood you’re in. J

I prefer to add the champagne right before serving to preserve all the fabulous fizz.  When it comes time to add the bubbly, make sure you pour it in very slowly to keep all the carbonation in the drink.  You don't want it all to fizz out!

Add 5 or 6 frozen raspberries to each flute.  The raspberries make such a fun garnish, and they help keep the drink cold.  Now it’s time to pour the drinks over the raspberries.  These drinks are super fun and can be a little dangerous, so go easy on them, my dears. 

And if you're feeling a little more sassy than prissy, go ahead and serve your Champagne Fizzies with one of these fun cocktail napkins, available here.


Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and two (maybe three) cocktails.


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

"What were they thinking?" Wednesday: A post devoted to the never good, always bad, and just plain ugly.

Happy Hump Day, my lovelies!  Before we get started with today's post, I would like to announce the winner of this fab necklace from our Giveaway Monday!

The winner is....

Miss Ellis

Congrats! Please email me at Sales@Eleighs.com with your shipping address and I will get you your necklace ASAP! 


Now... back to our favorite post of the week! 

Boy howdy, have a found a little gem of a picture for you today.  I would like to preface by saying that it was 1989 and an Olan Mills photo shoot.  That alone is a recipe for disaster!  Please don't blame my mother.  She didn't know what she was doing.  No one can be blamed for such a horrible picture.  Maybe it was the photographer?  Maybe it was the lighting?  Maybe it was the hairstylist who we should crucify for this mess of a hair do?  I don't know.  All I know is that it's bad...very, very bad.

I think we should start at the beginning, with a story of a 5 year old girl named Erin.  Erin was an unusual child.  She was extremely persnickety from the very beginning and while she was a good little girl, she always seemed to have an opinion about everything.  She knew what she wanted to wear, what she did and did not want to eat, and she always had very specific instructions for how she wanted her hair fixed.

While Erin was born with board straight, light brown hair, she dreamed of something bigger.  MUCH bigger might I add.  Erin dreamt of what every girl in the 80's/early 90's dreamt of...a perm!  After much pleading and begging Erin had finally convinced her mother that a perm was the right decision.

Lucky for little ol' Erin, her mother's best friend's mother was a hairstylist in a town about 20 miles away. The next weekend Erin's mother's best friend took Erin to her appointment with her mother the hairstylist.  Erin's mom stayed home with her brothers.  Lots of hours and curlers later, Erin had the curly permed hair she had always dreamed of, and she couldn't have been more proud of her new 'do!  The best part was that her boring straight bangs were now the most fabulous set of mall bangs she had ever seen!  Wowza!

When she returned home to show her family the new hairstyle, she realized that not everyone was as pleased with the new 'do as she was.  She didn't understand why her mother was crying and so upset.  Maybe they were tears of joy that her daughter looked so fabulous?  No.  No, I don't think they were tears of joy by any means.

Luckily for Erin's mother, the perm fell out a few months later, and her straight haired daughter returned. But....not before they had this prize of a picture taken.  Introducing... Erin's jheri curl, mullet Christmas picture of 1989...



You'll have to excuse the quality of the picture.  It is actually a picture of a picture. 

Go ahead and laugh.  I'm totally used to it by now.  This picture sat framed on top of the piano at my mother's house for years, and let's just say it wasn't a normal week if one of my friends didn't comment on this atrocity.  

After sending this picture out on the World Wide Web, I would like to go ahead and dispel any rumors that might get started regarding this picture.  Here are people I am NOT related to, even though I might have showed some resemblance to in 1989:

For those of you who were wondering...Steve off of Beverly Hills 90210 is not my brother.

Just to clear the air, Lionel Richie is not my father.


I know what you're thinking, and no, AC Slater is not my cousin.


I honestly have no idea who these jokesters are, but I can assure you I'm not related to either of them.  So sorry to disappoint you.
 




After seeing the aforementioned picture it's probably hard to believe that presently I'm a pretty normal, average looking woman.  Hey, that wasn't my first fashion faux pas and I assure you it won't be my last.

That's all for this week's fashion woes.  If you feel the need to purge your fashion soul of its past fashion fails, forward your pics to E.Leighs@yahoo.com and check back on Wednesday to see if you made the “What were they thinking?” post.


Until we meet again...
I'm wishing you light, love, and a mullet-free Wednesday!