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...

Big apologies & even BIGGER news!

Well, hello there.  It has been a while indeed....and by "a while" I mean months. I would be lying if I said that I didn't have an extra 30 minutes during all of my time away from the blog to post an update or a "What were they thinking Wednesday?!" post.  I have. Big apologies to you from me for going MIA on you.

However, I do have BIG news.

After this whirlwind of a year with E.Leigh's, I have decided to take the next step and open my first brick and mortar store. EEEEeeeeekkkkkk! (For those of you who can't see me...since this is a blog and not a live video feed, I am jumping up and down like a small child.  I'll go ahead and apologize for that too.)

I am beyond grateful for the wonderful opportunities that I have been blessed with this past year. This month marks one year since I took the leap of faith to open my own business.  My life has changed in ways that I couldn't imagine.  My dad gave me this advice, "Find something you love...something you'd dor for free, and then figure out a way to make money doing it.  You'll never work a day in your life."  Ever since I took his advice, Monday's have become fun again and late work nights feel like a hobby.  It amazes me that just a measly year ago I was sitting in my apartment wondering if all of this would work out, and now I am making plans and decisions to create the lovely, shabby-chic boutique I've always dreamed of.

What a difference a year makes.

The first store will be in Little Rock. It only feels right since my clientele has been more than gracious, and I would not be in such a lovely position without them. However, if you notice I said, "first." There will be more. I can promise you that. ;) I am shooting for a late April/ early May grand opening, and after attending Vegas market last week, Spring/Summer 2012 is looking divine...absolutely divine. I'm sure it will look even better hanging in an actual E.Leigh's boutique. I will keep all of you posted on all the details when a lease gets negotiated.


Wishing you all light, love, & lots of joy....
Until we meet again,

LA Lady...but I'm not a seamstress for the band.

Today I am leaving my cozy apartment that's right here....

and am heading here...

Well, specifically here...

the California Market Center.  That's right! You guessed it!  It's market week!  

You gals know how much I LOVE market week, and this is my first time to LA's fashion district.  I'll be sure to keep you posted on all the fabulous loot I am sure to find.  I will also be sharing some very exciting news with everyone next week, however I'm not sharing until I am 1000% sure it pans out. 

Besides working this week, I am also extremely excited about getting to visit with one of my very best friends in the entire world who happens to live in So. Cali.  We've been friends since we looked like this...

She's gorgeous, funny, smart, quirky, outgoing, and has the tendency to always show up exactly when you need her.  She's the kind of life long friend everyone desperately needs in their life, but only a few are lucky enough to have.  So, I will be having some friend time as well this market trip. 

While I'm gone, I hope you all have the loveliest of lovely week, and be sure to let me know if you're dying for anything in particular....

Watch? Blazer? Denim Shirt? Satchel?

Until we meet again, my dears...

Wishing you light, love, and nothing less than pure loveliness. 

And the winners are....

Lately, my life has been pretty crazy, and honestly, it is only getting crazier by the day.  The sad thing about this is that I absolutely love it.  I love getting to do what I do every day.  I go to sleep thinking about my work and I wake up thinking about my work because I am that crazy about my job.    I am not under any disillusion regarding the fact that the only reason I get to do what I do is because of all of you lovely ladies out there who are keeping me going, so for that I owe you a huge "Thank you!"

Because it's my birthday week, and I'm feeling pretty snazzy... AND because I just absolutely, positively LOVE giving away stuff to you pretties, I am giving away not 1, not 2, but 3 products this week!

Let's get to the winners, shall we?

The winner of the $20 E.Leigh's Gift Certificate is...

Donna Robinson!

The winner of this E.Leigh's Necklace is...

Kaley Wren!

The winner of the choice of one of these handcrafted infiniti scarves is...

Nichole McGeorge!

Congrats, Ladies, and thanks to all who entered and show up here every week!

Now, if only I could find my perfect birthday outfit. ;)

Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and a joy-filled weekend.

Fast forwarding through this Tuesday

Hello, my lovelies! As I sit here at my desk trying to get everything squared away before all my crazy work traveling begins next week, I can't help but begin to look through all the spring look books I am getting.  It's amazing how in this job you are over a season before it even begins. I couldn't help but share with you a few pics from some of the linesheets and lookbooks I am getting from vendors. Isn't it fun to see what you will see in stores months ahead of time? It always makes me feel like I'm part of some special club that knows a little bit more than everyone else. I hope that me sharing these with you, makes you feel like that as well... enjoy!

Ok, I am completely obsessed with this authentic printed python clutch from OrYANY.  They always have such beautiful bags, but this one is a show-stopper, my friends.

I am very impressed with Line and Dot's color filled Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  It's just so fun!

These are a few pics from an emerging jewelry designer, M. Elizabeth. She only uses authentic stones and does everything by hand.  I am definitely going to have to splurge and pic up a few of her pieces!  I just love her use of color and shape.  

Isn't it all beautiful?  I would be interested to hear what you guys think I should pick up for Spring. Please let me know, because I always enjoy your input!

**Don't forget to sign up for this week's BIG Giveaway!  If you missed it you can find it HERE!  Just because you guys are fabulous...I'm giving away 3 items! You have until Thursday night at midnight (CST) to enter to win!

Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and lots of happiness on this Tuesday.

The "I'm getting old" Giveaway...

Well, my birthday is this coming Sunday, and it's official. I'm getting old.  I've always been one of those people who every birthday says, "Geez, I'm getting so old." in hopes of someone saying, "Oh, you're not old!  You have so much life left to live!"  Well, you know you're officially getting old when you pull your same old fishing tactics and you no longer get that response.

For example...this weekend I made the trek to Fayetteville to cheer on the Hogs in their victory (or shall I say "crushing victory") against Auburn. ( I apologize to any Tiger fans out there.)  Of course, after our big win, my friends and I decide to go out to a bar after the game to celebrate.  This is where my attitude about my birthday abruptly changed.  My friend Jen and I pop in to the ladies' room and there we encounter the two most annoying college girls on the planet.  No joke.  Usually I enjoy chatting it up with current college girls and reminiscing about my college days, but these girls were absolutely atrocious.  After listening to them talk for about 15 minutes about how "old" they are getting I decide to interject that if they think they're old now at 21, then wait until you're on the verge of your late 20's.  I swear, when I told them this, it was like I told them I was terminally ill with cancer, or my dog just died. I believe their exact response was, "Oh my god.  That is so sad.  You don't look a day over 21, I swear." 

I don't think that I realized that turning 27 was such a tragic event until Saturday evening.  Wow.  I guess I should be preparing all week for this.  Maybe we should call in the National Guard or something?  I'll get on the phone with my attorney after this and have him send over my last will and testament for review.  Geez.  I have a lot of living to do before this Sunday.

I feel that this card really captures the spirit of my birthday this year...

Ok, enough about my birthday shenanigans.  It's time to get on with the birthday week giveaway.  In honor of my day of birth, I will be giving away 3 separate items!  That's right 3!

Giveaway Item #1:

A $20 E.Leigh's Gift Certificate

Giveaway Item #2:

This Kenze Panne necklace, which is available here at E.Leigh's...

Giveaway Item #3:

You will receive your choice of one of these lovely handcrafted scarves!

 

Now, aren't birthdays fun?!! 

Like I stated earlier, there will be 3 winners this week and the giveaway will last through Thursday at Midnight (Central Standard Time)!

Make sure to read how to enter to win, because we have changed the rules of the game this week.

For every one of these things that you do, your name goes in the hat.  This means that you can enter more than once! 

Here's how to get your name in the drawing:

Option 1:

"Like" E.Leigh's on Facebook and then share the E.Leigh's Facebook link with your friends and tell them about this fun giveaway! 

 Here's how you do it:

On the E.Leigh's Facebook Wall, click "share" under the post that looks like this:

After doing this, you will be entered once in the drawing.

Option 2:

 Leave a comment on this post and tell me which giveaway item you're lusting after the most.    This will enter your name in the drawing once!

Option 3:

Follow E.Leigh's on Twitter here, and then tag us (ELeighsFashion) in a post, and ask your followers to follow us!

This will enter you once!

Until we meet again...

Wishing you light, love, and the best of luck on this Giveaway Monday!