Nice Words

This is just a beautiful, simple reminder to be kind to people. It seems like everyone is mean these days. You can barely walk into a store without hearing someone be unkind; either to you or someone else. That grieves the heart of God.

Tame Your Bangs - A Growing Out 101

At one point or another, I think everybody has had some form of a bang. A couple of months ago I went in for a blunt-cut fringe. (This photo was my inspiration.) My hair grows like a weed, so now my bangs are just too long. After doing a little digging, I found that there are other styles I could try other than just "moan about how much you wish you had longer bangs and throw a headband on top of them". (Patent pending.)

Things to Wear on Your Head

Hair accessories can really make or break an outfit. Personally, I'm a big fan of a headband because my bangs are currently in that awkward "growing out" stage and they don't look good down. I love that gilded one from Anthro. 

(I was laughing really hard as I was writing this because the way the models are facing reminded me of the Brady Bunch opening scene. It was not intentional.)

(Ban.do twist scarves, Anthropologie headband, Kate Spade cloche, ASOS bow)

Edith Head

I don't normally do a whole post dedicated to a person, but when I found out that today was Edith Head's (posthumous) 116th birthday I knew I had to do a little homage. Her designs were legendary. 

I hope your weekend went well. I was able to pop over to J. Crew and pick up some of these hair ties. They're so beautiful that I actually have been sporting them on my wrist as well. 

Have a great Monday, folks.

(Audrey Hepburn dress source, Grace Kelly dress via Daily Mail, Elizabeth Taylor dress source, Suit design source)

Friday Time

Fluffy bunny says happy Friday. I am so ready for a nice, relaxing weekend.
(Bunny photo via Piccsy)

Beautiful

I just wanted to take a quick moment and chat about beauty. We don't live in a world today that makes self-esteem easy, do we? Despite campaigns for "real beauty" or articles about being naturally beautiful, the majority of photos we see feature models and actresses who are perfectly thin and have great complexions.

Tulle Skirts

Evidently tulle skirts are popular right now. Not that I mind; any excuse to wear a fluffy, beautiful, feminine skirt is more than welcome. (I love this one!) The way a tulle skirt is styled in the first picture is my absolute favorite. Super simple but ultra chic. 
(Ballerina skirt/sweater combo via Pinterest, Stockholm street style picture via Caroline's Mode, Photoshoot via The Life Styled, gray tulle skirt via Style Unveiled)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Folks. It's already almost November. I can hear you Scrooges already; "but it's not even Thanksgiving yet!" We are in T-minus 2 months to Christmas mode now. Therefore, I found it most appropriate to share a few decorating ideas. I love love love tinsel at Christmastime. It's super festive and now it comes in so many colors. Great way to add a hint of sparkle and shine to the holiday season. Seriously, be prepared for a bunch of glitter when December rolls around. 
(Christmas tree blur via Creature Comforts Flickr, ornaments via Nest Pretty Things, mantle via Better Homes and Gardens)

Nutella and Salted Caramel Cookies

 
I was looking through my archives the other day and I realized that I probably do waaay too many dessert posts. I mean, I think I may have one savory food in the history of all the recipes I've shared. Oh well. 
This recipe looks so amazing. How can salted caramel and nutella stuffed double chocolate chip cookies be bad? (I had so much fun writing that just now.) I think I may have to churn out a few batches of these bad boys. Cookie powah! (First image via Louise's Spis; recipe and second picture via Top With Cinnamon)

Oh, Weddings!

I love weddings. This weekend a friend of mine is getting married. Honestly, I am the biggest baby in the whole world when it comes to weddings. I always tell myself that I am not going to cry, but when it's vow exchange time I pull out the tissues. 
Just a few of my favorite wedding dresses. Happy weekend!
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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I have always been a firm believer that actions really do speak louder than words. Most people are smart enough to see a faker. I mean, how do you feel when something is promised but not delivered? Let's say you ordered something online. You paid for it, got the order confirmation, and patiently waited for a week, but the package never came. I seriously doubt that you would just throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well!" You believed that one thing would happen when in reality something else happened. When you order something I assume you want it to be delivered.

Five Loves

1) Pretty confetti cups.

2) This is right up my alley.

3) Forget cake! I want donuts.

How I'd Style a Sequined Maxi

1. Calypso St. Barth maxi skirt | 2. Madewell boots | 3. J. Crew tee | 4. AllSaints jacket | 5. Modcloth necklace

Sequined maxis are so in right now. (I love this look.) The only bummer with the sparkly look is that unless you pair it with more edgy accessories, you can end up looking like a fairy princess. (Good for some days, bad for others.) So, I paired this maxi with a really edgy boot/jacket combo to balance it out. I actually think it makes the sparkles look more sophisticated.

Will you be rocking this shiny trend?

I've Got the Blues

Blue is such a great color for nails. It basically goes with everything, and there are so many different options that you can never get the same blue twice. (Unless, of course, it's the same bottle. I have actually done that before.) 

I think I love the cobalt color the most. Super bright and really impactful, especially when paired with that pretty gold.

(1,2,3,4,5)

Fancy Type

I love fancy typography. Sadly, apparently I missed out on the "neat and feminine" writing gene. Or maybe I just am so smart that my brain moves faster than my hand? Yeah, I can roll with that.
Anywho, I am just a sucker for anything golden or gilded. Seriously. The first picture was from the lining of a crown. Ditch the crown, I would wear that on my head any day.
Have a great weekend!
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Oh Joy! Studio

One of my favorite blogs on the planet is Oh Joy. It is literally chock full of cute babies, fun DIYs, and lots of color. Definitely in my realm. So, when I recently saw that she had her studio redone by Emily Henderson (love!!) I had to share it.

Today I Choose Joy

Joy is such a blessing. I think that probably one in five people in this world today actually experience joy on a daily basis. Don't misunderstand me; it's not like a secret club to be joyful, and we all have bad days. But, like the quote above says, joy is a choice. 

October Wishlist

1. Chiara Ferragni loafers | 2. Shourouk clutch | 3. Deborah Lippman nail lacquer in Today Was a Fairy Tale | 4. Emi Jay hair ties | 5. Baublebar ring
October feels like it needs glitter to me. (I know, more glitter.) It's a pretty dreary month as a whole, despite the lovely leafy colors all around us. Plus, I went a non-traditional route with the silver instead of an orange or something. I'm hip like that. 
Happy October. (Happy pumpkin spice anything!)

Sparkles for Fall

I love sparkles. (If you have read Mode for more than a few months a week than you probably already know that. Seriously. It's a terrible sickness.)

Fall is probably my favorite season because of one thing: LAYERING. Oh yes, girls, it's back. Finally you can wear all the things that were too warm for summer. I love the first look, with a sparkly mini over leggings and a warm sweater. Perfect way to dress down an otherwise fancy piece. 

(1,2,3,4,5)

Smile

Do you ever forget to smile? I know I do. I can be walking around thinking of one hundred and fifty different things, and I just don't smile. I'm literally so wrapped up in all the stuff in my own head that I miss a chance to brighten someone's day. 

Generally, if you smile at someone you will get a smile back. Sure, sometimes you don't, but would you not take that chance? A friendly smile can really be a very kind gesture. In a world that is getting darker and darker, just even a simple little smile as you pass by a stranger can be like cold water on a hot day. If you think about it, very few people smile just because anymore. 

I consider it my way of sharing the love of Jesus with others. What do you think Jesus would do if He walked through a store? I seriously doubt that He would have His iPhone four inches from His face. Let's make a conscious choice to use the basic function of smiling, a God-given gift, for others. It really makes a difference in your day.

(Image source)

Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

I mean, really. How good do these look? I really am a caramel person. Yummo.

Gold and Black Nails

I just got a gold Sharpie which happens to be a great tool for doing manicures. (It also came with silver and bronze which are really beautiful too.) Super easy for doing designs to add that extra something to your nails. Just don't put it directly on your nail, use a base coat. Both of the designs above could easily be attained with a Sharpie if you have a steady hand or a good friend. I just cheat and do something on my left hand. (I am by no means ambidextrous.)
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Shiny Ponies

When it comes to tailored, sharp dressing, usually I look no farther than J. Crew. The company just oozes style. Very cool, folks.
I really have never thought of a pretty shoe as a "shiny pony" but now I guess I do see it. Figures that even the creative process of J. Crew would be adorable. (Also, I'm relieved to see that someone likes shoes just as much as I do, even though I have nowhere near 289 pairs.)
"As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral."