It's a Christmas Giveaway!!

We are giving away a pair of Vintage Chanel Button Earrings this week!! Hop over to our Facebook page for a chance to win!!

New Arrivals Sept. 25-26!

Shop these looks by visiting the E.Leigh's Facebook Page and signing up for a shopping account! It's that easy!

Super Pants

 This past week I learned that things don't always go your way. All the stoplights aren't always green, the cashier at your neighborhood market isn't always friendly, and the snow cone stand may run out of your favorite flavor. But...then, there are days like today... when you get to wear a pair of high-waisted, super wide, turquoise pants and feel like you own the world. Yeah...I like those days.
Pants, Blouse, Necklace, Bracelets, Bag, and Sunnies courtesy of E.Leigh's 

Wishing you all light, love, and an "own the world" kind of day... Until we meet again...

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When I fall in love...

Well, ladies, it has happened. I'm totally, completely, 100% in love....and it looks a little different than many of you may expect. While most of you are probably thinking I'm talking about a tall, dark, and handsome man...I'm talking about a little 800sf space fully equipped with Ikea lights, an Amy Butler wall print, and more affordable fashion pieces than any 20 something (or 30 or 40 something for that matter) could wish for.  Life is good, friends.

Last Thursday evening we hosted the official opening of E.Leigh's Little Rock location, and it was better than I could have ever imagined. Over 200 people attended our little 3 hour shindig that ran from 5pm to 8pm.  We even had people waiting at the door to get in! There were so many points during the evening that I just looked around thanked God for this amazing adventure that has been brought into my life. I honestly am still in shock every time I step foot into the store that this is my life.

For those of you who don't know me, I have talked about opening a clothing store since I was 10 years old. It has been a distant dream that I knew would eventually happen for me, but I just thought it would be much later in life before I would be able to watch it come to fruition. I have been blessed with so many amazing family and friends who have given up their time and energy to help make my dream a reality, therefore making my dream their dream.  Many of them who started off as clients, but now who I more appropriately refer to as 'friends.' They will never know how much that has meant to me this past year, and I don't know if I could ever repay them for their constant love and support on this journey I've taken. 

This is what i have taken away from this past weekend...

1. 99% of the time you get back the energy you put out into the world, so make sure it's positive.

2. Never underestimate the importance and power of kindness and friendliness.

3. You can never have too many friends who genuinely want to see you succeed and
be happy.

4. Be gentle with yourself. We're all just trying the best we can with what we've been dealt. You can't be all things to all people, and you most certainly aren't expected to be.

5. Sometimes things aren't perfect, but you always have the choice whether you're going to let it ruin your day or not. Happiness happens by choice, not luck.

6. Overall, life is good....really good.

I'm leaving you with a few pics from the magical night... 

Allison, Reymond, and Kaci getting ready for the fun to start!

Rey and I before the madness starts!

Just as we opened the doors.

Two of my bests, Brooke & Rey, with the oh so fabulous, Kaci

Ft. Smith cuties, Allison & Kaci! Love them!

My BFF & bride to be Brooke squished in between my two E.Leigh's gals who drove in from Ft. Smith to work for me that evening. 

Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and a very happy Monday.

Who knew a set of keys could be so exciting?

So, as many of you may know... I have officially found a spot for the flagship E.Leigh's store! Words cannot begin to describe how excited I am, and with a goal grand opening date of late April, I have lots...let me clarify...LOTS of work to do.

Today, the landlord gave me my set of keys to the store.  I couldn't help but relish in how it felt to hold them in my hand, and how the lock stuck a bit when I tried to take out the key. I wanted to soak up every moment of what it felt like to hold them for the first time. Ridiculous, right? Who knew keys could be so exciting??

The space I have leased is exactly what I have always dreamed of. (Ok, maybe a little smaller than I would wish, but it's workable.)  It doesn't need a ton of cosmetic work, and I love that it has 12 ft. ceilings. It feels so open and airy...which was an absolute must for me.

I have already started to put together my vision for the store. The hardest part has been finding the right decor (and at the right price!) to execute my vision...and anyone that knows me knows how persnickety I can be. Plus, I am on a strict budget.  Let me just say I LOATHE the word "budget." It's just so limiting.  Therefore, from now on, I am referring to my "budget" as my "wealth management plan." I just feel that "wealth management plan" gives off a more abundant feel, don't you?  So, I am on a strict wealth management plan. However, just because I may not have an endless bank account for this project, doesn't mean I am sacrificing one bit of fabulousness. Fabulousness does NOT have to be a luxury, friends.

There is one goal in mind for me when it comes to how E.Leigh's will be decorated...I want it to feel special. The space has to convey a certain level of specialness to anyone and everyone who walks through the door.

The E.Leigh's mission is to help every woman that walks through our door feel better leaving than when they came in. That's it. Not to sell 10 million dollars in apparel this year, (Although, that would be nice.) but to have a store that focuses on making our customers feel great about who they are and confident in their own skin. It can be hard being a woman. We don't get to wake up 15 minutes before we have to be somewhere, shower, and go. It's a process. We are taught to pick and prod ourselves to death to become this abstract person we think we are supposed to be.  I know. I've been there. The worst part is that we not only do it to ourselves,  but we do it to other women. It's become a vicious cycle.  You deserve better. I deserve better. We deserve better, and at E.Leigh's...we will be better.

I cannot wait to share this journey with you.

I'm leaving you with a pin of Joan of Arc that I found on Pinterest that is quite fitting for how I've felt lately.

Wishing you light, love, and a fearless Wednesday...
Until we meet again...

Keep Calm...

And the Oscar goes to...

While most of the actresses we saw last night have been exercising and starving themselves for weeks, (Yes, I'm talking to you, Angelina.) quite the opposite was happening at my home. I spent the evening with five lovely ladies all of whom were sporting their favorite pj's.  The only rule at my party was that you must show up wearing something with an elastic waist band.  Not only did we NOT sport our favorite couture pieces, but we also fully enjoyed second helpings of a full-fat, casserole including meal. It was delicious if I do say so myself. We ate, sipped on red wine, and fully diverged our picks for everything from best dressed to best leading actress.  It was divine. Before I share with you who wins my awards for "best dressed," I want to share with you an amazing meal idea.  If you are on a diet, then this meal isn't for you, sister.

The main course included:

*Soaked Salad
*Parmesean Knots
*The Pioneer Woman's Sour Cream Noodle Bake  
SIDE NOTE: I subbed cream cheese for cottage cheese, and it was nothing short of delicious.

(Click on any of the links above to be directed to the recipe. That's just how nice I am.)

Now, I hadn't really planned on anything for dessert, but when six girls get together..dessert is inevitable. I scoured my fridge to see what I could whip together quickly, and I came up with this gem of an idea.  It's actually a terrible idea because these are sinfully delicious and take all of about 20 minutes to whip up, and that includes bake time!

Now, after googling it this morning I fully realize that I didn't actually invent this recipe, but I like what I did. Therefore, I am dubbing these...E.Leigh's Chocolate Crescent Rolls.  I highly suggest making these as soon as possible.  They were so delicious, I had to make a second batch after we scarfed down the first batch.

Now, since I have sufficiently tempted you with a meal nothing short of 3,000 calories, let's look at some very thin, fit women...shall we? 

My picks for the best of the best dressed of the 2012 Academy Awards...

Weren't you just absolutely LOVING all of the white gowns?!  White is so regal.  Milla Jovovich was nothing short of stunning this this amazing gown by Elie Saab. Don't you agree?

While I realize the cape wasn't everyone's pick...in my eyes Gwyneth can do no wrong...especially when she is sporting Tom Ford.  I loved this entire look.  By the way, in case you were wondering, we are on a first name basis.  

Was anyone else recalling a fabulous Pippa Middleton moment?

This cuff spot on, friends. The perfect touch indeed. 

Octavia Spencer looked like an Academy Award winner from the moment she arrived in this custom, hand beaded piece by Tadashi Shoji. We could all take a lesson on dressing for our body type from Octavia. 

I know this Giambattista Valli dress received mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved it.  From the over the top bow to the punch of color, I loved every aspect of this dress. Great choice, Emma.

While she wasn't there to attend the show, Giuliana Rancic still stole the show in this amazing dress by Tom Ward.

Love, love, love...

There were so many other fabulous dresses! Who were your picks?

Wishing you light, love, and a very glamourous Monday.

Until we meet again...

Home Sweet Home...

First of all, let me preface by saying that I do not pride myself on being a home decor expert.  I assure you that I am not.  I do, however, enjoy looking at how awesome other people are able to outfit their humble abodes. Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about what my workspace is like considering at this point I am completely online.  My answer to this is...my workspace is my home and vice versa.  It makes it very difficult to pull yourself away from work somedays when you really should be enjoying yourself with a hot cup of tea curled up in front of the tele watching the newest episode of New Girl.  By the way, if you haven't watched this show you are TOTALLY missing out.  You're welcome for introducing you to this hilariously amazing show.  Therefore, today I have decided to post some pics of what my home/workspace looks like.

I also have been thinking a lot about wanting to change some of my decor up.  I have this weird thing that every time I move I want to get all new furniture.  This can get pretty pricey considering I have moved every year to year and a half over the past 5 years. It's too bad that my checking account can't seem to quite keep up with all this moving/redecorating I like to do.  Therefore, I have decided to focus on the things I love about my current home state in hopes that a little bit of gratitude for the things I already have will spark some new found love for the home decor that is sitting right here, right now, as is. (Small confession...I did, however, curb some of my home decor hunger by getting new bedroom furniture this past December. I had not purchased new bedroom furniture since my senior year of high school.  Friends, it was time.  Actually, it was WAY past time.  Sorry I'm not sorry.)

Ah... my bedroom. I have a new found obsession with gray walls...as you will see in my bedroom and bathroom. You have to get creative with neutrals when you're renting. This bed could perhaps be my favorite furniture piece in my home. I do not spend near enough time in that thing.

Ok, two of my favorite things in my bedroom...the french doors and the antique bird cage that was a total steal at a Dallas thrift store. Be still my heart.

This is my reading corner.  I have a slight obsession with comfy chairs with bold prints. Goodness, I love ikat...

I have taken a few nods from Pinterest as you will see in upcoming photos...empty frames on my walls is just one of them.  It was a DIY project that took all of about 30 minutes. 

These jewelry pieces are a permanent fixture on my mirrored chest.

The mirrored furniture was a huge leap from my boho inspired living room.  It just creates such a romantic and whimsical feel...pretty much everything I envisioned my bedroom to be. I think these side tables were the perfect size, and the perfect touch for my bedroom. (Note: Ignore the fact that I do not have any pictures in my frames, and that I have an obscene amount of reading material on this table.)  

Next up is the bathroom.  I find that old bathrooms are so hard to freshen up when you aren't actually doing any hard labor remodeling...here is my attempt.  I told you I was a little obsessed with grey.  I also slightly love the old gray tile floors.

Another Pinterest find...woven baskets used as shelving. Sorry I didn't empty out the trash can before I took the pic. Whoops! : /

My living room has a totally different feel... it's boho, eclectic galore!

I love finding random knick-knacks to scatter around anything that will sit still.

Another idea found on Pinterest...

I get more compliments on these living room chairs than anything else in my home.

Redecorating my dining room is the next big project...however I was able to put together this whole set up for less than $400. That includes the rug, table, chairs, art (self-made), place settings, and winter centerpiece.  (BTW...I also used the tree centerpiece as my Christmas tree. I called it my Charlie Brown tree.) 

Now I feel like you can at least get a pretty decent idea of the E.Leigh's headquarters and where I spend 90% of my time. 

Wishing you all light, love, and a very happy home.

Until we meet again...