Thankful.

It's the week before Thanksgiving and preparations are in full swing. Before the pie baking and table setting occurs, I'm taking this week to reflect on all of the many blessings I've received over the past year. I have so, so much for which to be thankful. I hope y'all take time between the turkey to count your blessings. May they be plentiful.

A sweet friend suggested that I start doing more floral work, so every month I'll create a piece and post in on the site. Enjoy!

Published: Southern Weddings Magazine

I am so grateful to have my work (wardrobe and prop styling) featured in the current issue of Southern Weddings Magazine, on newstands now. Check out page No. 246 and 247 for some cute ideas for a Southern getaway (P.S: I'm partial to the flags!). Shot on location at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina by the fabulous Corbin Gurkin. I'll be sharing the full details of the shoot at a later date, but in the meantime, head out and pick up a copy of V4 to see all of the sweet, Southern goodness for yourselves.

A Sip of Southern

It's officially Fall, y'all! Yesterday, in the Well Styled Weekend, I showed you how to look adorable in an orchard. Now put all of those apples to good use and celebrate the changing of the season with a Hot Apple Toddy:

Ingredients:

2 oz whiskey (I prefer Gentleman Jack)

1 tsp sugar

Hot Apple Cider

Orange wheel for garnish

Cinnamon stick for garnish

2-3 whole cloves for garnish

Preparation:

Coat the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with honey. Add the whiskey, fill with hot apple cider and stir well. Garnish with the orange, cinnamon stick and cloves. Cheers, y'all!

The Well Styled Weekend

Fall is my very favorite season. Crisp air, changing leaves, pumpkins and apples galore! Here in Atlanta, we're a short drive away from the North Georgia mountains were apple orchards abound. I'm so looking forward to breathing in that fresh mountain air and getting my apple picking on soon. Y'all take  a look-see at my perfect outfit for a day in the orchard*:

1.  Shakespeare's Sonnets, Penguin Clothbound Classics

2. Going Study Skirt, Jack by BB Dakota

3. Get you some apples!

4. Betta than Bruschetta Top, ModCloth

5. Melissa Button Boot, Frye

6. McNicholas Bag, Aldo

*Disclaimer: I live in a fantasy world where all Autumn activities should be done in a skirt and boots, just go with it.

Featured: Atlanta Weddings Magazine

I am so very pleased to have one of my designs featured in the Fashion issue of Atlanta Weddings Magazine on local newstands now. I love this little belt and was thrilled when Elizabeth Ralls, Editor of Atlanta Weddings, wanted to include it in their style shoot (styled by the pretty fab-ola Ginny Branch and shot on location at the rustic chic Goat Farm). Comprised of various silks and organza in shades of ivory, blush and nude, the "Macaron" is available as is or in custom colors. I'm furiously working on the launch of my upcoming line, but am currently available for custom pieces. Contact me at carlee@carleesizemore.com for pricing and other information.

The Well Styled Weekend

Tomorrow is gameday! At least for my fellow Gamecocks, that means the beginning of a four game fashion show. Sorority Girl 101 teaches us that if you're going to the game (and honey, who isn't going to the game?) you must look adorable. Need a little help before game time? Here are some of my favorite picks to cheer my team to victory. Go Cocks!

1. Gamecock temporary tattoo is a gameday must (or a "Beat" sticker), Garnet and Black Traditions at Jewelry Warehouse

2. Garnet & Black Jack Rogers are stylish and comfortable (but you better break them in first), Miss Cocky

3. I love Hobo bags for their versatility and their keep-all abilities, Just the Thing

4. The current Queen of Gameday cuteness: Judith March, Just the Thing or Wish Boutique

5. The perfect shade of Garnet: OPI Changing of the Garnet, Ulta

6. Love these designer earrings from Rhyne Becton, Festivity

A Shower for Sophie Kate

I can not wait to be an aunt! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first baby, Miss Sophie Kate, in December and I couldn't resist throwing a shower in her honor. Although the soiree isn't until early October, I wanted to give y'all a sneek peek at the inspiration. We're pretty sure little SK is going to be a princess and her favorite color is definitely going to be pink (she is here mother's daughter after all!).  I'm loving the palate of rasberry and bubblegum pink with this soft lemonade yellow; a little unexpected, but not too "out there" for a girlie girl. Stay tuned for a few of my DIY projects for this party. 

Credits: Streamers & Champagne Bar; Paper Flower Bouquet; Pink Lemonade; Passion Fruit Macarons

Sip of Southern

It's football season, y'all! Although it "officially" kicked off last week, this Saturday means true football for most SEC fans as we all face our first interconference opponent. While my husband is hitting the road to Auburn, I'll be making the trip from Atlanta to Athens to cheer on my Gamecocks. Since this is my first Saturday off since May, I am very excited to tailgate and socialize with my fellow Carolina alum. Tailgating is an art form here in the South and includes a Southerners favorite pastime: the partaking of an adult beverage. While Lexington has it's bourbon and Knoxville has it's moonshine, the rest of the southeastern states are focused on making beer. Really, really good beer. Here's a (very) short list of awesome brewers that are available for most SEC roadtrips and if you're lucky, home games too. Drink local, ya'll!

1. Dixie Brewing Co.; New Orleans, Louisiana (editors note: Due to facilities damage during hurricane Katrina, Dixie Beer is now brewed under contract offsite)

2. Terrapin Beer Co.; Athens, Georgia

3. Palmetto Brewery; Charleston, South Carolina

4. Abita Brewing Co.; Abita Springs, Louisiana

5. Lazy Magnolia Brewery; Kiln, Mississippi

6. Yazoo Brewery; Nashville, Tennessee

The Well Styled Weekend

Now that the temperatures have lowered (read: not 95 degrees), I finally feel Fall Ready! And one of my very favorite things about Fall is the back to school shopping. All of the women in my family are teachers, so there's a big to-do when the kiddos head back to class. While I'm not hitting the books anytime soon, I always like to feel studious, so here are my picks to take you straight to the head of the class this semester:

1. I want to have five of this stacked to my elbow. Art Deco Bangle, Lulu Frost for JCrew

2. Organize your favorite novels (or trashy mags) in style with these super cute poodle bookends, Anthropologie

3. I aim to wear a little bit of sparkle every day. Gold star for this t-shirt! Navy Striped Tee, Top Shop

4. Oh, how I love a palazzo pant. I rocked these back in my highschool chorus days and am not afraid to say that I was, am and will always be a nerd. Aniseed Wide Legs, Anthropologie

5. Oxfords.are.back. These are their Queen. Arelia Oxfords, Tory Burch

6. True story: in elementary school, I once stole my dad's old glasses to wear on a field trip because they made me feel like a scientist. The End. Nerd Glasses, Urban Outfitters (of course...how hipster are these?)

Featured on Southern Weddings

Welcome to Atlanta, y'all! When the lovely ladies at Southern Weddings asked for my Peach State expertise in putting together the perfect welcome tote for my adopted hometown, I was happy to oblige. I enlisted the help of my good friend Joni from Chocolate Butterbean (and Lay Baby Lay for all my prego friends) for the delightful artwork. Isn't it too adorable? I'm pleased as punch at how it turned out. Y'all grab a coke and a late summer peach and check it out!

Carlee's Closet

I am head-over-heels for the September JCrew catalog. So, so many pieces that I want to make my own! So I popped over to my local and picked up what are sure to be some of my favorites for this fall. Flame is obviously the hot color for Fall according to Jenna Lyons (whom I want to be when I grow up) & co. This is very convenient as I want to live in this color. If I could wear something Flame every day I would, so I'll settle for these stripes and painting my nails this Fall bright and be a happy girl. Speaking of happy, I'm thrilled to own a piece of the crew's latest capsule collection: Lulu Frost for JCrew. Her jewelry makes such a statement and since I have no willpower over beautiful jewelry, I got some Lulu while the gettin' was good. Oh, how this makes me miss "back to school" shopping!

We're Moving, Don't 'cha Know?

I am moving to Minnesota. I can't even type that without bursting out into a fit of giggles! If you would have told me 6 months ago that I would be moving to the upper Midwest, I would have called you crazy. Yet, here I am, planning an imminent move to Minneapolis. It's funny the people God places in your life. The timing and purpose of it all is hard to wrap my head around. I'm thankful for my husband and some wonderful friends who will make this transition fun and inspiring. I never, ever thought I'd live in a place where magnolias didn't bloom and sweet tea isn't served, but I'm up for an adventure, so the Land of 10,000 Lakes it is. Y'all come visit!

The Well Styled Weekend: No. 003

Happy 4th of July Weekend, Y'all! I am so ready for a quick trip to the beach to visit some friends and celebrate our freedom. As the granddaughter of two veterans [World War II and Korea], I have a true appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice our servicemen and women and their families make to keep this country safe, free and the most fabulous in the world. Wave your flags, light some sparklers and wear your red, white & blue to celebrate. No.1: I love these chevron earrings reminiscent of a Sargent's stripes [Urban Outfitters]. No.2: Get your nautical on with some bright white Topsiders. The neutral trim adds the perfect touch [Sperry]. No.3: This sequined covered bag is phenomenal. Love the old-school jungle camo! [JCrew]. No.4: Red, white and blue all in this cute little Americana dress [Anthropologie] is great for a day at the lake. No.5: The 4th is the most appropriate time to sport Navy nails. Midnight Cami is the perfect shade with a hint of sparkle [Essie]. No.6: Firmly in camp "Clubmaster", these red rimmed glasses are super festive and look great from sun-up to the grand finale fireworks [Ray Ban]. Have a safe and celebratory 4th; see y'all next week!

The Well Styled Weekend No.002

Ah, the weekend brunch! I just adore gathering with friends and/or my husband for some yummy breakfast food at an afternoon hour. Even more exciting is the chance to rock a casual look while sipping my mimosa in the sunshine. Some things I'm pretty obsessed with at the moment: No. 1: You can not be a lady who brunches without some cat-eye sunglasses. Love these from Kate Spade! No.2: These patent thongs from Tory Burch; the neutral is worth the investment. No. 3: How cute are these leggings from Rag and Bone? Pastel denim is such a trend right now and I've fallen hard for this lemon color. No. 4: I bought this "Beekeeper Blouse" from Anthropologie and it's become my new go-to top. It pretty much as everything I love in one piece; crochet lace, sequins and a pop of color. Perfection! No. 5: This cuff from JCrew is amazing. I'm not really a "rock-star" type of gal, but I love the architectural look of these studs paired with the leather and the neutral color tones it down enough for me to be wearable without feeling like I'm putting on an act. No. 6: When in doubt, wear the pearl studs. Always ladylike, always appropriate. Have a lovely weekend! xo, Carlee

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Happy to be in the sand and surf with my baby by my side. Photo

The Well Styled Weekend No.001

Happy Weekend, Friends! I hope you like my new style feature to be published every Friday; The Well Styled Weekend. First up? A trip to the beach! I am so very excited about heading out of the hot, hot city to the sandy shores of South Carolina. I'm even more excited about this amazing swimsuit I bought just for the occasion. I just adore the covered buttons! This season I am finally trying out a real-life, grown up sunning hat. I love this raffia one and think it's the perfect neutral to work into any look. Love a bright pop of color? Try this bright blue hue on your toes. It will be a daily reminder of that summer sky and sparkling water and to relax [it's vacation!]. Add a men's shirt for a cover-up, cinch the waist with a neutral belt to add some shape and you'll be ready for a seaside supper. Finally, don't forget your shades! Toms [the shoe guy] just launched their new line of sunglasses, continuing their "One for One" campaign. How awesome is that?

No.1: Patent Belt, JCrew; No. 2: Classic 201 Sunglasses, Toms; No. 3: Custom-Fit Roll-Up Ranger, Polo; No. 4: Stripe Bandeau Bikini, Marc by Marc Jacobs; No. 5: Mesmerize Polish, Essie; No. 6: Crochet Raffia Hat, Tommy Bahama 

Hey there, Friend!

via

I haven't blogged in a while. Okay, a long, long time. I apologize for the absence, but I've been busy making things happen. Like, BIG things. I'm in the middle of a rebrand, I'm adding arms and ideas to my business and I just completed my first photoshoot for a publication {one that people pay actual money for in actual stores}. I've spent a lot of time worried about the last two years. The direction I've taken and the decisions I've made have more often than not been the "road less travelled" and sort of unconventional, but I've learned that without each and every one of those steps, today and all of the days after it would not be possible. I'm so excited to be able to share these projects of which I've been working so hard. Stay tuned friends!

Featured on Every Last Detail

I love this Vintage Chic shoot I styled for the fabulous Lauren Grove of Every Last Detail. Everything from the comfy blankets to the pink lemonade made me want to kick off my shoes and relax on a warm Spring day. The concept behind the ELD Style Dictionary was to take a wedding "style" and bring it to life. We chose "Vintage" and "Chic" and it was my job to define those two styles through the use of props, floral design, wardrobe and stationery. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day. You can view the rest of the shoot over here at Every Last Detail.

Thank you, thank you to the lovely ladies who helped make this shoot possible. Photography: Camille from Camille Deann Photography; Floral: Katie from Boukates; Custom Clutch: McKay from Oatmeal Lace Design.

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Grace Van Cutsem. She's my new hero.

Dress to Impress

Image via Vogue

They always say dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Well, my, my Miss Catherine Middleton! What a way to make a statement. I was up bright and early for the Royal wedding waiting with baited breath (along with the rest of the world) to see the dress. Honestly, I didn't really care about the rest of the pomp and circumstance; I wanted to see the fashion. Alexander McQueen was a fabulous choice on Kate's part (and Pippa's for that matter...I'm obsessed with Pippa!) and I adored the Queen's gift of the Cartier tiara for the ceremony. Not only is she now an HRH, but she's cemented herself as a fashion icon. Personally, I'm excited to see the effect this will have on the wedding industry in the coming months. I do believe we'll be seeing some long sleeved wedding gowns on late-winter brides and definitely a return to more "traditional" touches such as box pleats, blushers and ballgowns. I enjoyed the early morning fashion commentary with my friend Annette and loved getting her design aspect and all of the work that goes into a creating a dress fit for a princess.

The McWedding Video

The wedding of Ashley & Chris from Steadfast Videos on Vimeo.

I am so excited to share this peek into Chris & Ashley's wedding weekend. P and I had such a wonderful time in the Keys and couldn't be more thrilled for the new McHan's. Their wedding was such an awesome testament to their friendships and the love surrounding them. Completely DIY, everyone pitched in and pulled together a perfect evening for the bride and groom and I know everyone involved was so proud of how it all turned out.

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Hallelujah, he is risen. {via}

Happy Weekend!

{source}

Happy Friday! I'm blogging from Key West where preparations for the McWedding are well under way. I am so excited to share all of the DIY loveliness from this laid back island couple and I am thrilled for these two of our very best friends. First up: a garden rehearsal and a sunset cruise. The groom has created and crafted a rehearsal dinner menu of Mango and Roasted Steak Wraps, Cuban Sliders, Key West Shrimp Ceviche, Island Salad with Papaya and Citrus and Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad. Delicious! I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend; I'll be back with more from this super sweet pair.

One Particular Harbor

{via}

I am one day away from traveling to the Keys for my first "real" vacation sinc my honeymoon. To say I am jumping out of my skin with excitement would be a vast understatement. I am so looking foward to spending time with Parker, great friends and getting some wonderful inspiration to push me through the rest of this fabulous year! These last six months have been pretty amazing. I've been busy, busy; this last week in particular. Day-to-day work, a photoshoot last Monday with this amazing gal {and this one and this one}, a couple of projects unrelated to business, but none-the-less, work, work, work. I am so unabashedly grateful and am so happy with where I've come since November. I have amazing clients, I'm doing my heart's work and things are moving right along. However, with the day to day busyness, I have been staying on a particular course and haven't truly stepped out of my comfort zone.

If there's anything I've learned from my time at MTH, it's introspection. I've really been giving thought to where I want to be/go/do as a person and as an entity. I've been meeting with inspiring people and working on inspiring projects, yet one thing that has occurred to me is that I'm still setting boundaries for myself and for my work. Putting "what I do" into a neat little box and an elevator speech that could perfectly describe "me" in 30 seconds or less. So, about a month ago I said yes to a project that has taken me so far out of my boundaries, I'm basically off the map. A great friend asked me to create her wedding veil.

I consider myself to be an all around "crafty" person and create the majority of the elements associated with projects I contribute to, but this was on another level.With it being such a special project for such a special person, it didn't matter that I had 85% no idea what I was doing. I had 15% behind me and the knowledge that I was going to make.it.work. And I did. I finished the project last night and could almost weep for joy {if I wasn't so exhausted and could summon the tears, I would}. The result has exceeded my expectations beyond my wildest dreams and ignited in me a new passion and lust for creation.

I get on a plane tomorrow night to hand deliver my labor of love and cannot wait to share it with this sweet bride. I am overjoyed to be able to contribute to such a special part of her wedding day and am so honored that she trusted me with such a great task.* I can't wait to stand at the southernmost point and toast to a beautiful sunset and to new beginnings.

*Editor's note: Ash, you're going to die! It's amazing and I can't wait to see your pretty face on Thursday. Happy Wedding Week!

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Night, night! {via}

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

This painting just speaks to me. Perhaps it's creativity, bursting at the seams of an otherwise dull life. {via}

Best Dressed Guest

 

The annual Carolina Cup runs this Saturday and with it, the official start of the Spring season. Springdale Race Course in Camden, South Carolina hosts gentlemen and ladies dressed in their very finest and at the Cup, it's all about the dress. I love this watercolor print from the fine folks at Anthropologie {Gathered Hemlock Dress in "Orange"}. It's different from the sea of Lilly normally spotted around Springdale and "different " isn't exactly a bad thing. Since the Cup is an all day affair, make sure to wear stylish, yet comfortable, shoes. You wouldn't want your heels sinking in the grass, so I always opt for a cute pair of flats {"Brisk Pixie" by Clarks}. Also, make sure to grab a cute clutch to carry your essentials. I love this wicker version with light gold hardware from Kate Spade {Eastward Avenue Kayla}. Always optimistic for bright, sunny weather, don't forget your sunhat and a cute pair of shades {MMJ178-S by Marc Jacobs}and never, ever forget your pearls.

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

This makes my preppy heart sing. {via}

A Sip of Southern

Happy 100th Birthday, Tennessee Williams! Oh what I wouldn't give to be able to sit down and share a cocktail with that man. The stories he would tell! No doubt we'd be sipping on his signature drink: the Ramos  Gin Fizz. This creamy, floral but tart concoction slips on like silk and keeps you cool as you savor Mr. Williams' steamy, Southern written word. I'll drink to that, y'all!

Ramos Gin Fizz

2 ounces Gin

1 ounce Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 Egg White

1 ounce Simple Syrup*

1 ounce Rose Water

1 ounce Half and Half

Club Soda

Garnish with an Orange Wheel

Pour the gin, lemon juice, egg white, simple syrup, rose water and half and half into a cocktail shaker full of ice; shake for a minute. Strain into a pilsner glass or other tall, slim glass filled with ice; top with club soda and stir. Add garnish.

*Simple Syrup

1 cup Water

1 cup Sugar

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil while stirring. Reduce the heat and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Using a funnel, pour the syrup into a clean container and store in the refrigerator indefinitely. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Best Dressed Guest

The pleasure of your company has been requested. Now what? Each week, I style an outfit to make you the best dressed guest for any occasion. 

Bachelorette parties are so much fun, especially when the beach is involved. I love the idea of a girls getaway to sexy, sultry South Beach! Get in the mood for cocktails and dancing with this gorgeous maxi dress from Lotta Stensson and a pair of fun flats to keep comfy through the night {Paiige by Steve Madden}. With the warm weather, keep hair simple with beachy waves  or fancy with a fish-tail braid to show off some amazing earrings. {MAWI}. Grab a sparkly clutch {I love that this one from Anya Hindmarch is big enough for a wallet, smartphone and lipstick}and don't forget a pre-bachelorette mani/pedi {Big Spender by Essie is a personal favorite}. Cheers, Ladies! {Invitation by French Blue}.

Sunday Supper

It's the first day of Spring and we're officially ready. We've fired up the Big Green Egg for the first barbeque of the season. On the menu? Parker's special recipe for Baby Back Ribs, my yummy {and super easy} Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a new recipe for White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal cookies. Pass the plates, y'all!

Barbequed Baby Back Ribs

1 Slab of Ribs

Dry Rub Mixture*

1 Cup of Barbeque Sauce

Heat grill to 225 - 275 degrees F. Take the rack of ribs and cut in half. Wash and then pat dry. Lay the half slabs on aluminum foil and rub each with the mixture of seasoning to taste. Wrap separately in the aluminum foil and place on the grill for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes depending on the heat of your grill. Unwrap aluminum foil packets and place cooked ribs bone side down on the grill. Baste with barbeque sauce and cook another 10 to 20 minutes or until desired amount of sauce is applied. Pull from grill and let meat rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

*Parker and I prefer a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic salt and an added dash of this and that.

Barbeque Sauce

3/4 cup Ketchup

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed Dark Brown Sugar

3 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar

2 tablespoons Minced Onion

2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard

1 teaspoon Louisiana Hot Sauce or more to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper

In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, onion, mustard, hot sauce and pepper. Can be covered and refrigerated for up to one week.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold, Red or Russet Potatoes

1 cup Milk

1 tablespoon Chopped Garlic

6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, plus additional to taste

Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until tender {about 25 minutes}. Drain well. Combine the milk and garlic in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mash the potatoes, milk mixture, butter, salt and pepper to the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately.

Steamed Broccoli

2 Heads of Broccoli

1 teaspoon Butter

Salt & Pepper to taste

Chop broccoli to desired size. Put a colander over a medium sized pot 1/4 full of water. Bring water to a rolling boil, add broccoli to colander and cover with a lid. Steam broccoli to for a few minutes to thoroughly cook but retain crispness {usually 5 minutes}.

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar1/2 cup butter, softened

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats {not instant}

3/4 cup dried cranberries

6 ounces white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl using an electric mixer combine the sugar, brown sugar and butter; mix well to cream together. Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add the cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flour and mix well. Fold in the oatmeal, dried cranberries and white chocolate chips- making sure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Drop dough into 1-inch balls and place 3 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer cookies to cooling rack.

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

{via}

Keep Calm

Parker is in Savannah for St. Patrick's Day and a bachelor party. Whomever thought that was a good idea is certifiably insane. I sincerely hope he's having a good time, but we're all secretly worried that the level of debauchery could reach "Hangover" status. In honor of P and St. Pat's, I texted him this little piece of advice reminding him stay in the moment, be safe and of course have a traveler pint of his preferred beer. Slainte!

Creme de Menthe Brownies

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day and I'm excited to celebrate! Savannah has a wonderful St. Patty's Day tradition and is the home of Paula Deen who has a wonderful recipe for these brownies which tie into St. Patty's Day only because they're mint and if you squint really hard {or drink enough green beer}, mint can look a tee-tiny bit like a shamrock. Got that? Nevertheless, these delicious treats with a hint o' mint will put  you in a festive mood and that's no blarney, y'all.

Brownies:

4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour 

Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons green creme de menthe (or use green food coloring plus a dash of peppermint extract) 

Icing:
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 
6 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions: {Prep time: 30 minutes, Total time: 55 minutes}
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mist 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.

Prepare brownies: In double boiler, melt baking chocolate and 1 cup butter over simmering water; cool slightly. In medium mixing bowl, beat eggs with a whisk until blended, then add the 2 cups granulated sugar and continue whisking until mixture is light and fluffy. Add cooled chocolate mixture, salt, vanilla and flour. Keep whisking until thoroughly blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave brownies to cool in pan.

Make filling: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the 1/2 cup butter and confectioners' sugar together until well blended. Stir in the creme de menthe and blend well. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate in original baking pan until filling is firm.

Make icing: Melt the chocolate chips and 6 T butter in the top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. (You can do this in the microwave, just monitor closely and stir a few times.). Pour the warm glaze over the filling and tilt pan to distribute the icing evenly. Refrigerate until chocolate hardens. To cut, allow brownies to come to room temperature in the pan so chocolate doesn't crack.

Best Dressed Guest

The pleasure of your company has been requested. Now what? Each week, I style an outfit to make you the best dressed guest for any occasion.

I am obsessed with the "Caroline" maxi dress from Milly. Obsessed! Chevron stripes are one of my favorite preppy patterns and are just perfect for a poolside soiree at the club. The unexpected color combination of Hermes orange and nautical navy will make your tan pop and the rattan espadrille and clutch keep this look summertime specific. Hot trend this season? Match your lipstick to your outfit and you'll be in with the ladies-who-lunch crowd before you can perfect your backhand.

{1} Trina Turk; {2} Jack Rogers; {3} Milly; {4} Carlee Sizemore; {5} Michael Kors; {6} MAC

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Spring forward! {via}

Style Board

Call me old-fashioned or rather "Granny Chic", but I love, love a doily. The intricate designs and the often hand-tatted lace is hard to resist. I'm using them in an upcoming project and couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Not just for the back of your Grandmama's chair, doilies are a vintagey element that can be added to a host of designs including fashion and decor. I'm particularly enamored with the idea of adding one to a t-shirt or paper goods. Such a sweet detail! Now go raid Granny's linen closet.

All images via Pinterest

Best Dressed Guest

The pleasure of your company has been requested. Now what? Each week, I style an outfit to make you the best dressed guest for any occasion.  

Dancing under the stars, plenty of candlelight, soft colors, the promise of romance. And as a true romantic, why don't you dress the part? I'm not talking "theme". I'm suggesting to dress to compliment the bride's vision for her special day. This dress from ModCloth is super-romantic. The blush hue, the fabric and folds and ruffles, oh my!  As much as I love high heels, I hardly want to be dancing the night away in them. This comfortable, yet stylish, option from Clarks gives you a cushy insole that will keep you on the dancefloor and a chunky heel that won't have you sinking in the grass. Add the sweet bow earrings, rose-gold sequined bag and Chanel lips {who doesn't feel more glamorous in even a touch of Chanel?} and you're all set. Best dressed guest!

Sources: {1} Hello Lucky; {2} Plush Silk, Indigo by Clarks; {3} Metal Bow Studs, Marc Jacobs; {4} Halston Heritage; {5} Bunches of Love, ModCloth; {6} Coco Rouge, Chanel

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

Let's do brunch, shall we? {via}

A Sip of Southern

The Bee's Knees sure is a honey of a drink. With bright notes of lemon and honey, it's like liquid sunshine. Originally a cocktail from the 1920's, the Bee's Knees has found sort of a resurgence and I must say, I am besotted. I picked up some Orange Blossom honey from my recent trip to Florida which adds another note of depth. Be sure to use a good gin, y'all, as it elevates the drink to a whole new level. One sip and it'll have you doing the Charleston. Cheers!

The Bee's Knees
4 ounces Gin {I prefer Bombay Sapphire}
1 1/2 ounces Honey Syrup
1 ounce Freshly Squeezed Lemon
Optional Garnishes: Lemon Curls or Rosemary Sprig

Honey Syrup:
1 1/2 cups Honey
1/2 Water
1/4 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon Grated Lemon Zest

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat to a boil while stirring. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by one-fourth. Set aside until cool. Using a funnel, pour into a clean container and store in the refrigerator. Keeps for several months. Yields about 1 3/4 cups.

Happy Weekend

 {via}

I'm headed to Charlotte this weekend to style a shoot with Leslie {unless the weather tells me otherwise}. Excited to highlight a cute couple in the Queen City.

Love the Look

Inspiration for this week's Love the Look comes from one of my all time favorite movies, Love Actually. The wedding scene in the beginning{ish} of the movie is adorable! The seemingly impromtu, yet totally planned, performance of All You Need is Love brings an instant good mood and Keira Knightly looks devine in her halo of ostrich feathers and unconventional wedding attire. I love her casual look with the cute white tee and skirt combo and a cardigan overlay. To get the effect, I paired this Marc Jacobs cardigan with the tee/skirt combo from JCrew. I added this pearl engagement ring riffing off of Keira's character in the movie as well as the pearl studs. I topped the look off with the champagne ostrich feather and crystal clutch and the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania pumps. Perfect for a casual wedding across the pond!

Sources: {No.1} Marc by Marc Jacobs; {No.2}Clutch, Bag Borrow or Steal; {No.3} Padget skirt, JCrew; {No.4} Pearl Studs; {No.5} Vivienne Westwood for Melissa {no longer available, but check out the other fabulous options}; {No.6} Love is Around ring, Artisan Impact

Sun in My Eyes

 via pinterest

I'm still shaking the sand out of my shoes after a fabulous weekend with the girls. Pardon my absence but my mind is still drifting to a nice breeze, sandy beaches and sunny weather. I'll be back tomorrow with some fun inspiration and regular features.

Sweet Snapshot Sunday

This makes me giggle. Family is family, royal or not.{via}