Fashion Friday

Are you getting your daily dose of Vitamin C?

Oh come on now, I can do better than that! 

That's right with this little ensemble you'll get a healthy dose and there is plenty of citrus to go around so you won't have to worry about getting scurvy.  I am loving all of the bright fun colors there are this spring.  Ya'll know us southern girls love a little color to go with the lipstick we always wear!  What's your favorite piece?

Ta-ta Darlings!

Blog Love

Good morning!  We are excited to announce that the winner of our $250 gift card is:

Caitlin Durr

Thanks so much to all of you for following us here at Always Wear Lipstick.  Thanks also goes to my little Lulu for helping me pick the lucky winner for this giveaway.  Oh yes, this was a very scientific & taxing task over here!  I put all of your names into a hat & Lulu had the daunting task of only being able to pick one of you.  She was a big help!

Now, I know many of you were hoping to win the gift card.  So in an attempt to soothe those hurt feelings & share some Blog Love with you, we are giving you a sneek peak at our Memorial Day sale that officially starts tomorrow.  But for all of our followers, you may come in TODAY & shop the sale!  Yes, you read that right.  We are happy that we have so many loyal followers & want to share the love.

Hold the applause, you're going to need your hands for all the deals you're going to find!  And don't forget to keep following there's more where this came from!  Feel free to share the love yourself & let your friends in on our secret!

Road trip

I've been waiting for an excuse to get some new luggage & travel accessories.  I think a three day weekend will do just fine.  If I pick something fun & girly the Mr. will never notice.  With all of the girly pink stuff in this house a few more things will just blend in.  Secretly, I think he is colorblind when it comes to the color pink!   Southern girls love to travel in style.  So don't forget when you are packing for all of your Memorial Day festivities there are plenty of fun & stylish options out there.  Here are a few of my faves but I can't promise you they will be around too long.  Buckhead Betty has incorporated all of my must-haves: color, bold geometric prints, & girly details.  

If you are lucky enough to have been invited to a beach house this weekend don't forget a gift for your gracious hostess.  I myself, would love to see a guest come through the door with a picnic basket filled with wine & other goodies!  Now I just need to convince the Mr. to buy a beach house & so I can invite you all!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

If you've been following my blog you may remember I don't really do Mondays.  Well, okay, I guess I can't really say I don't do them.  Let's face it as a mom I don't have a choice.  Mondays come & they go.  But usually I am dragging & trying to catch up from Monday until mid-day Tuesday.  But thanks to my handy little friend, I posted about here, Monday has gone pretty well.  I've managed to stay organized & get things done in an a timely manner (right about now I'm giving myself a big pat on the back & queuing the applause!)  I'm feeling kind of like this:

Now if only I could figure out how to look like this... I wouldn't have to get out of the bed on Mondays!

Fashion Friday

I don't know about you, but all of this rainy, gray weather has me dreaming of a summer getaway. For our Fashion Friday post the girls at Monkee's have put together an outfit inspired by The Hampton's.  The nautical stripes & crisp white jeans are just screaming VACATION!  I love the tassel earrings because who doesn't love tassels, seriously they add a sense of whimsy to anything.  Now, when you are visiting The Hampton's you will undoubtedly see or mingle with lots of the rich & famous.  In my case, I would go incognito with a floppy hat that makes a statement & the perfect pair of round sunnies to allow me to be discreet as I stare & take them it all in.  I mean I've got to make a statement right?   Who says just because I'm snooping I have to blend in to the scenery!  I mean come on, you know they're all going to be looking fabulous.  The Tory Burch Thora sandal would be the perfect finishing touch to a casual but cool look.  And don't forget a fab straw tote to throw all your spy beach gear into.

Oh well, back to reality.  I've got lunches to pack & kids to drop off.  I'll be wearing my big sunnies but only so I don't embarress my daughter in the carpool line!

Socialize With Us

Don't forget to tell your friends, we're a pretty social group!  Follow us, Tweet Us, Facebook Us, Instagram Us , & Pin Us we do it all & the more you follow the more oppurtunities to win!

Manic Monday

As a mom, business owner, & (I might as well be truthful here) type A personality, I live by lists.  Mondays are normally so overwhelming because I can't make life easy.  I start the week w/ a list a mile long.  I know, I know, I have good intentions but let's face it, it won't all get done on Monday.  That was step 1, admitting I have a problem (of over-organizing)!

Now that I've admitted the problem, here is my solution.  Oh, I'll still live by a list.  I can't quit cold turkey!  But they'll be kept a little more in check & more stylishly.  Let's face it that was really what this was all about, an excuse for me to buy something small & cute!  The husband has plenty of toys so I thought I was well-deserving too!  Here is my newest companion:

Target Mara Mi

It takes lists to a whole new level.  I love how darling the paper is inside of it.  How can I not be happy each time I open it.  There are multiple sized pads w/ oh so smart headings like "To-do's" & "Lists".  How inspiring right!  And it folds up to keep everything neatly organized & in place into the shape of a passport.  Which reminds me to add another item to my list, convince the husband how desperate I am to go to Paris!

The best little thing about this jewel, it comes from TARGET! I just screamed that in my best Oprah voice so you will know how much I love that place.  They are quite genius.  Creating the Mom-Mecca, as I like to call it.  I mean putting everything under one roof so they can just suck you right in!  Come on, genius!  While I was buying my new passport holder notepad I picked up these fun invitations.  You never know when they may come in handy & as a Type A, I must always be prepared!

Target, not available online

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day!  Whether you are enjoying your first holiday as a Mommy or whether this is one of many Mother's Days you have celebrated, enjoy it.  I was treated to a lovely & relaxing brunch at Boca Bay this morning by my wonderful husband & accompanied by my sweet little girlies.  The best part was the wonderful handmade gifts I was awakened by.  Nothing warms my heart more than those.  They always bring tears to my eyes!

On this day that I love so much I always think of my own mother, who truly taught me how to love so selflessly.  She is the epitome of a true Southern lady, with grace and charm.  If I can be half as giving as she has I will truly have set a wonderful example for my own children.  This picture has long been one of my favorites.  It was taken several years ago before I was a mother, shortly after I was married.  It was taken with my sisters & mother not long after she finished treatment for breast cancer & I think it shows her true beauty.  There is a true happiness that glows from it that I can feel anytime I look at it.

Another Southern lady who touched my life is my grandmother.  That is where my true passion for fashion was born & bred.  I can remember all of the costume jewelry & silk scarves she kept in drawers.  As a child I was enamored by them.  It was like a treasure chest!  I wish so often that my own daughters could have met her.  She was an elegant lady that always dressed & always wore lipstick.

Here are a few more moms that epitomize grace, charm, & beauty.

Jackie Kennedy

Audrey Hepburn

Princess Diana

  

If you are lucky enough to still have your mother with you give her an extra hug today.  And don't forget to tell her how much you appreciate all she has done.  It is not an easy job but they make it look like it is!

Fashion Friday

Since Friday is usually a day many of us head out on the town or are packing to head out of town, the girls at Monkees thought it would be fun to start putting together an outfit for all of our favorite Monkee girls from head to toe.  We know that our fashionistas have some fun in the sun on their agendas this summer & we've put together the perfect ensemble for your outdoor activities.  The Shoshanna Shae dress is the perfect statement piece to add to your closet.  I love the the halter neck & the bright colors that will look brilliant with some summer sun!  It can take you from a picnic in the park to an outdoor bridal luncheon & oh so many places in between.  I would style it with these coral earrings by Sylvia Benson & a gold espadrille by Michael Kors (a trendy style that works with everything).  With the money I'm saving on both of those pieces I would make a statement with these  Tory Burch sunnies & straw bag.  Add a dash of color to your nails & your ready to start the weekend!  Cocktails anyone?! 



Available at Monkee's of Chapel Hill



What fun things have you got planned?

Mother May I

Oh the joys of Motherhood!  There is nothing quite like it.  The feelings you get when they take their first step, say their first word, write their own names, throw a tantrum in Target, spill their juice all over that newly upholstered chair, keep you up all night...  The list goes on & on.  But seriously we love our job of being superhero, chauffeur, doctor, teacher, chef,  but also the "bestest mommy in the whole wide world" (as said by my Lulu, my 4 year old!)  I wouldn't trade this job for anything in the world.  It is the most rewarding & worthwhile thing I have done.  But (oh yes, there is a but) it is also the most tiring & challenging thing I will ever do.  So here's a hint to the kiddies & the husband, because let's face it he's the one with the ka-ching, ka-ching!  This Sunday when you say Mother May I, don't ask if you can have this or can I do this.  Instead lead with Mother May I.... get you a few gifts.  As the good task-manager that I am I will even help with this little project.  Here are a few things I may have noticed while out & about.

And as kind & generous person that I am, I have made it so easy for you to find them all at Monkee's of Chapel Hill!

Prints Charming

One of the things I love most about spring and summer fashion are all of the fun prints and color we get to see.  As a Southern girl I just can't help but love all of these fun and girly patterns.  Trina Turk is my go to girl for fun statement pieces.  I absolutely adore her fun color palette & bold prints this season.  Whether you are sipping drinks poolside or out for a fun night on the town she always has something that will turn heads.  Girlfriend gives new meaning to one of my all time fave mottos: "Go Big or Go Home!"

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Trina Turk



Mrs. Turk relaxing in/on her own bold print!



Happy Birthday!

I just couldn't let today pass without telling my sweet little Mary Scott happy birthday!  8 wonderful years ago today you gave me the best job title I've ever had, Mommy.  You have brought us all so much joy & each day we've had together has truly been a gift.  Happy birthday Lovebug & keep reaching for the stars!

I've Got the Blues

It was bound to happen, my love affair with the classic blue & white combo has carried over into Monkees.  Recently, blue and white has made a splash in my house in a very big way.  I am a sucker for all things blue & white.  The combination is so classic & fresh.  You can't go wrong.

Here are the blue & white needlepoint pillows gracing my couch.

These blue & white canton lamps flank end tables on either side of the couch & give off such a cozy glow.

And you can't go wrong with blue & white porcelain.

That's just some of what I've added but I digress.  You can imagine my surprise when I arrived in the store this week to find what Diane von Furstenburg had sent our way!  Apparently my love for blue & white goes beyond interiors, who would've known.

There was my very favorite pair of silk pants, the Georgia Two in an embroidered blue & white floral.

Diane von Furstenburg

My other favorite, the Mindy dress in a blue & white geometric print.  Have you  tried one of DVF's wrap dresses?  I mean the girl knows what she's doing!

Diane von Furstenburg

Oh, & did I mention  my other favorite,  the Lehana Dress a gorgeous blue & white floral print on chiffon.  The pops of coral in it remind me of my couch situation with the pink pillow plunked down between those gorgeous blue & white pillows.

Diane von Furstenburg

Clearly this isn't just a passing obsession for me.  I'm in it for the long hall, which probably won't make the husband happy.  This could mean more updates on interiors & fashion.  But hey, a girls got to do what a girls got to do!

Getting to know you....

I thought the best way to introduce myself to you is to give you a little insight into what makes me, well, me.  Some of these are things I love but others are just what makes me tick.  Anyway you cut it, I'm a pretty lucky girl that is doing what I love & loving every minute of it!

1.  I am the mother of two darling daughters.  They are the smartest, prettiest, sweetest little girls around.  And no I'm not biased,  just ask my husband or their grandparents.  They'll tell you the same exact thing!

2.  My favorite fashion icons are Jackie Kennedy & Audrey Hepburn.  Both ladies were the epitomy of class.  Their sense of style was impeccable & they still manage to have a presence that influences all of us.

3.  Obviously, I just outted myself as a someone who tends to gravitate toward more classic styles.  (sigh)  It's true I've rarely met a flat I didn't like... but I have been known to jazz it up a bit with a few baubles on the toe, my wrist, my neck.  Pretty much anywhere I can put a statement piece of jewelry!

Miu Miu

Loren Hope Libby Necklace

Loren Hope Dabney Bib Necklace

4.  I am obsessed with all things home decor related.  Sometimes it seems like  I am crazier about it than fashion.  Shhh don't tell, it's only sometimes!  I like to say that I don't discriminate, I love all things beautiful.

5.  Which leads me to my next confession.  I have never met a beauty product I didn't like.  I love a little shimmer, coral lipstick with a tan, & colorful nail polish.  It doesn't matter if it's the drug store or Sephora, I can't walk out without a new purchase for my already bulging cosmetic bag!

6.  I have a problem not sweating the small stuff.  Dirty fingerprints on the wall  raise my blood pressure & don't even get me started on 2nd grade math.  I've tried the whole counting to 10 thing & I want to know who does that work for? 

7.  I am the proud owner of Monkee's shoe & clothing boutique located in Chapel Hill, NC.  It is a blessing to be able to do what I love & be a role model for my daughters.

8.  I live in Wilmington, NC.  Yes, the beautiful beach is a 10 minute drive from my home and yes, I did say my store is in Chapel Hill!  It gives me the best of both worlds.

9.  I adore all things southern.  Good manners, hydrangeas, white brick, & colorful sundresses to name a few. 





10.  As a born & bred Southern Belle I believe in passing on words of wisdom to my little belles.  Yes ma'am & thank you are a must.  Always remember to be a gracious hostess.  Emails & texts do not count as a thank you note and... always, always wear lipstick!