THRILL IN ESPADRILLE

Espadrilles are my absolute favorite. They go with everything from shorts to maxi dresses and I love this season's colorful patterns and fabrics. Even better? These metallic mini wedges from Me Too. I.want.them.now! Also on my must-buy list are these Soludos for J.Crew. A steal at USD 34.50, I just can't decide between the lemon zest or bright spearmint.

Dress them up or dress them down, just make sure you indulge in this Summer staple. How about you; are you having a Summer love affair with the espadrille?

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LADY OF THE LAKE

Happy Memorial Day weekend, y'all! While I'm [what feels like] a billion miles from a beach, up here in Minnesota we have 10,000 lakes to choose from for some fun in the sun. So, Parker and I will make like the natives and give the fresh water a try. Memorial Day usually marks the unofficial start of the warmest weather, so I chose some delightfully citrusy pieces to get you ready for some hot fun in the Summertime.

I'm really into the one-piece this season, so I chose a lovely lemon seersucker tank from J.Crew. The vertical stripes are slimming and the underwire top gives support and the halter ties give flexiblity for tan lines or no. Add this huge floppy hat to keep the sun off your face, neck and chest.

If you're anything like me, my hair goes UP in the hot weather. These hairbands look cute in your hair, yes, but they could pass as bracelets as well. Who doesn't love a muli-tasking accessory? Speaking of mult-tasking, you can take this tote from sea to shore for sure. The poms and tassels are too cute!

I hope y'all are having a wonderful long weekend, but please don't forget to thank a serviceman or woman for the sacrifices they make serving our country. That's what Memorial Day is all about, after all.

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EYE OF THE TIGER

Cat eye sunglasses instantly conjure up images of summertime for me. In my mind, I have an image of a girl in a convertible, wind whipping the scarf around her hair, cruising around in the bright sunshine. Needless to say, I love that the cat eye is a summer trend for 2012. I like to keep it classic in black or tortoise, but I'm also drawn to these fancy blue panther and grey Dior glasses. Love the trend but don't want to spend a ton of cash? Check out this ladylike pair found at Target; they're a steal at $12.99!

How about you? Will you be rocking the retro shades this summer?

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FEATURED / EVERY LAST DETAIL

I love, love this workshop shoot produced by Simply Bloom Photography in the desert of Las Vegas. Styled by the lovely Lauren Grove, Editor of Every Last Detail, I was happy to comply with her request for a hairpiece for the bride. Lauren's inspiration for the shoot was fringe and texture; pretty much two of my favorite things in life. The wedding gown had rows and rows of ruffles, so I wanted to create something simple that would mimic the texture in the gown.The sweet Sophie hairpiece has layers of silk organza and tulle with raw, unrefined edges. I think it worked perfectly! Check out the rest of this shoot on Every Last Detail [an awesome source for of inspiration and daily dose of reality for all of you engaged gals out there] including an unbelievable hand layered and fringed tissue runner that will have you swooning for sure.

Here's an upclose look at the Sophie. Contact me at Carlee@CarleeSizemore.com for ordering information.

MINT FOR EACH OTHER

It's Derby Day and y'all know what that means: horses and hats and bourbon, oh my! Now don't go clutching your pearls because my julep isn't shown in a silver cup. It's perfectly acceptable to serve it in an old fashioned glass, as well. Hopefully, this super easy recipe will get you in a "horsey" mood. If not, well, bless your heart and head back north. Cheers to a great race day!

Mint Julep [serves one]

1/2 oz. superfine sugar

1 oz. hot water

6 mint leaves, plus one mint sprig [or more to taste]

2 oz. bourbon

Dissolve the sugar in the hot water to make a simple syrup. Once room temperature, add syrup and the mint leaves to an old fashioned glass or julep cup. Lightly press the leaves with a spoon to release their oil. Add the bourbon, fill the glass with cracked ice and stir. Garnish with the mint sprig and a jaunty short straw and serve.



MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME

It's almost here! The 138th Run for the Roses will be held tomorrow afternoon and I couldn't be more thrilled. I do love a good horse race, but more importantly, I love to see what everyone's wearing. While I won't be in attendance, I did have fun putting together my faux outfit. Can I tell you a secret? This dress is technically a bridesmaid dress. Isn't it so fun? I love layering the shades of lavendar with the shoes and lipstick and this fun clutch is just big enough for a flask of Kentucky's finest; Four Roses, perhaps? Because of the ruffley details on the dress, just add a statement cuff to complete the outfit. Whatever your plans may be for tomorrow, don't forget your hat dahling!

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MAD HATTER

I'm pretty sure the most important element of a Derby outfit is the hat and I'm pretty sure I'm in lust with all six of these amazing creations. From ribbons to feathers, these millinery confections are a delight to the eye not to mention commanding of attention. You won't blend into the infield crowd! I'm partial to the minimalist widebrim. What's your favorite?

Nos. 1 through 6 may be found at Love Hats.

DERBY BOURBON BALLS

It's almost time for Derby Day and do I have a sweet treat for you! Combining some of the South's best ingredients, these chocolate covered candies are sure to please any lady or gentleman who can hold their liquor. Just a warning, though: these sweets get stronger the longer they sit so no sampling from the kiddos. Other than that, eat up y'all!

Derby Bourbon Balls

1 cup chopped Pecans

5 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon [Maker's Mark or similar]

1/2 cup sweet butter, softened

1 [16 ounce] package confectioners' sugar

18 ounces semisweet chocolate

Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour bourbon over pecans, seal and allow to soak overnight. Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked pecans and mix to the consistency of cookie dough. Form into 3/4 to 1 inch balls and refridgerate overnight [if in a hurry, freeze for an hour or two]. Line tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping with a spatula to prevent scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat and arrange on the prepared tray. Refridgerate until serving.

DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA

My own personal Mama does not shy away from color. No, ma'am! The brighter and shinier, the better, but always in good taste. That inspired me to create this fun gift guide for my mom or maybe yours.

Aren't these sunny striped sunglasses the most fun? I'll definitely be getting a phone call from my mom about those. Don't live nearby your mom? Make facetime brighter with this pretty iPhone case. The Murfee is the perfect springtime scarf. I love the cute anchor pattern in neutral Navy. Take your summer staple poolside with these Navajo flops. They're jellies! I adore the summery colors in this polish set. A new mani color for each week of the month.

The gang's all here: Tory, Lilly, Kate and Jack and nothing listed will totally break the bank [Okay, maybe No.1. I'm giving you the side-eye, Dior]. So, pop open the brut rose [that's fancypants for pink champagne] and raise a glass to to the lady who raised you: Mama.

Y'all don't forget, now; Mother's Day is May 13th.

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