Style from Dubai with Amy Fohr

1      I asked Amy of Leopard and Lillies to visit today and share a little more about her style with all of you (because obviously, she has got it!). I love the variety of fashion she works into her looks all the way in Dubai! Thank you for being a guest Amy..

         Do you go by fashion rules, or tend to create your own?

I am a rule breaker; I love mixing black and navy together, wearing white after Labor Day, and think wearing sequins and glitter is always appropriate.

2      

      What would be your top 3 layering tips for the winter months?

Living in Dubai, UAE our temperatures don’t get much cooler than 60 degrees, so thankfully I’m use to lots of light layers.  Either tanks and cardigans or button downs and sweaters. 

3      

      Do you have a current favorite color combination? 

Black & Tan, I love the idea of mixing those two colors together. 

4      

      What is an item you think every girl should have in her closet?

A pair of great fitting, you feel sexy jeans.  They can be any fit you feel comfortable in, but must be jeans that make you feel like you can take on the world!!!

5    

         How do you gage what pieces work best for your body type?

I’m quiet tall and lanky, so I tend to favor items that have more shape in them otherwise I can look quiet shapeless.   

Keep up with Amy Here:

Blog | Twitter | instagram

Happy weekend friends!

What to wear and pair : Holiday Edition

{Sources: 1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. }

I have no idea what I am wearing for Christmas yet. Guess I better decide. Its easier for me to put together outfit ideas for others so... ifwho have yet to determine what to gown yourself with here's your inspo :) I always love adding a little sparkle or glam to simple silhouettes.

And there is so one too many awesome holiday posts around the blog world not to share:

Need some good hair tutorials for the holidays? Cara Loren has some fantastic ones for long hair.

Beautiful and easy hand painted ornaments.

Creature Comforts has the complete round up of free holiday printables.

These DIY Gold Nugget Earrings have my vote for the best gift for friends!

Send long distance loved ones an instant winter scene:)

An edible gift idea that looks far more elegant than it is easy to make.

And to follow up with my #tidingsofgoodwill post, check out what these amazing folks are doing!

Happy December weekend!

Love, Anna

Just throw on a tee: the latest from stylemint

(all tops via StyleMint)

Lately I have only been purchasing items I know I will use to death and will outlast the trends. Its much easier to build a wardrobe that you can mix and match by using pieces that go with multiple items and can be worn both dressy and casual. I love layering pieces as you know:) I think what I love about some of the latest StyleMint pieces is that they are easy, comfortable, and timeless (not to mention affordable!). I joined this site a while back because after a short style quiz, they can show you pieces that best fit your personal taste. These pieces above are some that matched my style profile, and they were pretty spot on. That might also have to do with the fact that they were designed by style mavens, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen;)

Which top best fits your style?

For a Fraction: Jessica Alba's Layered Greys

This was a challenging one. 

Although grey is a classic color, its not easy to find grey pieces currently as black is the current star of the show. If you stumble on any steals, let me know! (Dying to know where that tote is from!)

The look for a fraction:

Grey skinny Jeans

Delias - $40 + BOGO %50 off

Dorothy Perkins, $49

Grey and White Striped Tunic

Bluefly - Clearance, $44

Grey Ombre Scarf - Jessica Elliott, $60

Torrid, $11

Grey shoes she probably wore;)

Grey Ankle Boots -Threadsense, $42 or Grey Flats - Ruche - $32

Especially love this pair.

Wishing you all a happy October weekend!

Here's your fun link round up:

Adorable upcycled toddler clothes.

Inspired by Katie of Modern Eve who started a column that helps her battle materialism.

A little addicted to this tumblr site.

You know I love discovering new blogs. This one and that one have me smiling.

Gold metallic hints in all pieces of this lovely etsy shop.
Amy has a rad DIY cupcake stand video up!

I also guest posted at Brunch at Saks and Inspired to Share if you want to stop by!:)

For a Fraction: Rosy Huntington's Burberry Look

Source: Rosie Huntington Whitley - Burberry Fashion Show

Now Burberry is hard to beat, but here are some fun pieces that will work as both stylish and classic pieces this fall...

Burberry Jacket - $995

For a fraction:

H&M - $60.00

Peach Pink Sweater - Burberry - $$

For a Fraction:

 H&M - $30.00

Burberry Velvet Trousers - $800

For a fraction:

The Outnet - Clearance, $75.00

Brown, Yoox - $55.00 Burgundy, Yoox - $35.00

Burberry Tote - $1480

For a fraction - Not quite Burberry but still amazing:

Shoedazzle Hegins Tote - $39.95

Forever21 - $32.00

Wishing you all a beautiful fall weekend! 

Love, Anna

Weekend Inspiration + Fun Links for Your Weekend

(photo source unknown)

"I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped. Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it." ~ Audrey Hepburn

I'm learning in baby steps to live for this day alone. Its a gift that could easily be wasted by looking to the past or the future. Its not easy but it sure makes for a better recipe of happiness.

The cool weather hit Atlanta this week so we are heading up to the mountains this weekend for some fall weather fun. Wishing you all a beautiful weekend!

Love, Anna

Fun Links for your Weekend:

Mara interviewed a J.Crew personal stylist and shares some great styling tips.

These colorful jewelry knobs are a fun and easy DIY to jazz up a room, and this new line of jewelry baubles would be perfect for hanging on them.

Megan hosted an end of summer soiree and I am wishing I was her neighbor. Its unreal.

A new blog to watch: West Hawthorne Place. I keep going back for more.

Liz shared some fantastic ways to wear a leather jacket.

Emerson Fry's Fall Collection is Ridiculous. Can't handle how good it is.

This movie trailer brought tears to my eyes. Can't wait to see the whole film.

For a Fraction: Pre - Fall Layered Look

(source)

I love how effortless this fall transition look is. This is a fun every day or weekend look.

Black denim is a staple you will want to have this upcoming season. So versatile, and if its the right cut, very flattering! I am not sure what the original prices are for these pieces, but I will show you where you can find the same or similar for a fraction!

Army Green Utility Jacket - Old Navy - $39.94

Side note - Gap and Old Navy are having a 30% off sale!

Black Denim - H&M - 19.95,  Old Navy - $34.95, Asos $47

Striped Tee - Forever 21 - $15.80, Forever 21, $10.80

Fringe Boots - Steve Madden - On Sale for $64.99 or Apt. 9 - $59.99 or 6PM - $44.99

(If you find any similar boots for less let me know!)

Cognac Satchel - Nordstrom - $40.00

Gold Cable Necklace - Etsy - $24.95

I am sharing 5 Neon DIY's for you to try over Labor Day Weekend over at The Girls of Lincoln Park!
Also made an appearance on Erika's awesome blog Small Shop sharing a favorite color pairing for fall:)

What are your plans for the Holiday Weekend? Hope you get to enjoy the time with your families!

Radiant Magazine Fall Issue

I have mentioned from time to time about the inspiration magazine I design, called Radiant (more about it here). The fall issue launched this week, and I have to say its my favorite cover yet. The cover was shot by Sheila Sheridan Photography in hot weather! Hats off to the models, huh?!

The fashion spread features fresh color pieces to add to your fall wardrobe (in the issue's color scheme of course;)). We have had a tremendous response since the tv interview, and both Rose and I feel so blessed to be doing what we love for a greater purpose. (The magazine is a Catholic magazine for young girls ages high school, college, and post college that takes current events, moral issues, and stories and makes them reachable to the targeted age.) You can see the full issue here. 

Fun Links for your weekend:

I am going to be trying out these How to Trim your own bangs tips;)

Heidi Merrick's Fall 2012 Collection. Perfect.

I love this simple and so important advice for new mothers on Design for Minikind.

Completely love the styling of this newly discovered shop.

Great gift find of the week: Name plate bracelets.

I am still not quite ready for Fall, but I admit this post got me kind of excited for fall wear.

Lastly, I am cleaning out my closet! I just started a Copious account and selling a bunch of my like new clothes. All just too small or too big for me but in excellent condition:) Will be listing more throughout the weekend! You can check them out here.

For a Fraction - Gingham + Sequins

I would love to start sharing with you all more ways I go about finding the look for less! And I mean as close to the look as you can get;) Hence, For a Fraction series. I fell in love with this look on J.Crew this week, so I rounded up some amazing steals for you to get the look for a fraction of the cost.

Gingham Shirt - J. Crew - $150 

Yesstyle: $34.50

Sequin Skirt - J. Crew - $695

I prefer this more versatile color - Yesstyle: $75

OR wear this dress as a skirt - Kohls - $100

Pearls Strands - J. Crew - $98

Ebay - $15 

Crystal Flytrap Necklace - J. Crew - $85

Similar one on Ebay - $12 

So what do you think? Am I getting close enough to the look for you? Will be hunting for some more great looks For a Fraction to share:) Have a fantastic summer weekend ahead!

In Case you missed it this week: Lookbook: Neutral Mashup, Shannon Hearts Large Ad space giveaway, DIY Leather Pocket Tee, DIY Studded Phone Case

Swatch Style: Blush Pink + Yellow

{Source: 1, 2, 3}

I have been working with blush pink in some design projects this week, and I love how feminine and modern it can look when paired with golden yellow. 

And here is your fun links round up for the week!:

My favorite recipe of the week was pretzel rolls and beer cheese dip Milwaukee style!

Summer Olympics in a Box!

This blogger finds the most delightful things.

The most adorable instagram wooden camera for tots. 

An awesome DIY Chevron and Chain Necklace.

Convert window shutters to mail organizers!

Happy August Weekend!

Take 3: Dotted and Spotted

I thought maybe my polka dot fever would subside, but frankly, it has bubbled over after seeing these J. Crew numbers. Can you believe the cuteness?

Hope this brightens your mid week!

Summer Sorbets

{sources: Amy Borell / Fan pop / Rue Magazine / Reem Acra / Vogue via Simply Smitten}

We are in recovery mode from two weeks of traveling which means piles of laundry, empty fridge, bags under our eyes, and down trodden hearts that time with all my family is over:(

Will be sharing some of the fun things we did along the way tomorrow! Until then, here is an inspiration board that perfectly reflects summer vacay;)

Hope you all are doing well! 

Sunnies for 8 Please

{Glamour 1947 via pinterest}

I have been spending the week with my family, so when I saw this it immediately reminded me of my 7 sisters and I :) (We look a lot alike as you may have seen on facebook.) There has been lots of water side time since the heat is so unbearable unless you are in a body of water! I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!

I don't want to leave you without some fun links for your weekend:)

5 New Favorite Etsy Shops:

Vivid by Esther Jewelry

Skoope Home Modern Home Accessories

Sparrow Nest Script Postcards and Papergoods

Matine Shop  Clutches and Totes

The Knit Kid Clothing

What are some of yours???

P.S. The winner of the Casey Wiegand Giveaway is #5 Anne Hoeckman! (Will contact you for details)

Shop Feature: Parc Boutique + Noble House for Bauble Bar

You know I love to let you all in on new boutiques on the block...

I just discovered Parc Boutique. An online boutique with store located in Minneapolis. 

Check out their amazing pieces here.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Bauble Bar is one of my top shops for statement necklaces. They recently launched a pop-up shop feat. Noble House Designs, which I kind of died over. Noble House has been a long time favorite etsy shop, so this collaboration is hot news folks!

Hope you all have a beautiful June weekend!

P.S. You can follow some of the weekends birthday surprises on instagram:)

Style File: Ode to Stripes

Its no secret I have a crazy love for stripes. I even have a pinterest board dedicated to them.

Here were my top faves of the week.

Lands End Canvas, Les Composantes, Wit and Delight

This weekend the plan is to visit with my high school bestie, tackle the next thing on our 21 dates of summer list, and celebrate some pretty awesome fathers. What about you??

Happy weekend!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the $100 gift card set I am giving away on the facebook page for the man in your life!

Style File: Pattern Printed Shorts

{Main image / 1 / 2 / 3 }

So many fun pattern printed shorts available on the market right now. It appeals to the artist in me:)

Stripes, aztec, ikat, polka dot...I would wear them all! 

Happy June weekend! We have an anniversary to celebrate this month. Its time to scheme...

*Stay tuned for a lovely guest for tomorrow's Real Chat post!

Style File: The Red side of Coral

{1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 }

This will always be a favorite shade of summer:)

I wouldn't mind wearing a giant tulle skirt by Christian Siriano in this color either.

Happy long weekend to you! I hope you get time with friends and family!

I will be back tomorrow with an all new Real Chat post! 

Hope to chat with you then:)

P.S. June starts next week?! If you would like to consider an ad spot and/or feature on IHOD, please email me for the sponsor package! All new ads will go up on June 1st!

Swatch Style: Spring Dose

{J.Crew}

{Ruche}

I could play with pattern and color all day long:)

These were a few looks that stood out to me this week!

Hope you have a fantastic Cinco de Mayo weekend ahead! Don't forget to tune in tomorrow for the REAL CHAT post! I will be participating in Ez's challenge "Things I'm afraid to Tell You."

Fun Links for your Weekend:

A round up of 25 DIY Pouf Tutorials.

40% off all these amazing jewelry pieces!

Homemade Nutella where have you been all my life?

An outdoor movie party is a brilliant idea.

Crazy about these mini piñata cookies for Cinco de Mayo!

I won these cards on my friend Rachel's blog, and now its a new favorite shop!

In Case You Missed It:

Real Chat: Over Socialed

Lookbook Post: Do Not Block

Goodbye April, Hello May Favorite Snapshots

Take 3: Sangria Dress, Drink, Decor

Printable Mothers Day Prints/ Note Cards

Style File: Basics for the Gents

I had a reader request some tips for the gents, so I am going to start with the basics, and where the best places are to find them. I love my husbands style so I had him approve this in advance;) 

Striped Tie: Etsy, Basic Tees: J. Crew, Belt 1: Asos, Belt 2: Asos, Pants: Old Navy, Shorts: Old Navy, Shoes: Bonobos

I don't know about your man, but mine knows what he likes, and sticks to it. He keeps his closet simple, unlike me who never can say no to a cute pair of shoes;) He is a guy's guy, who doesn't like to look too contrived. We are willing to pay a little more for the basics, knowing he will wear them to death. (Except for pants because we seem to get pen stains on every pair;)) H&M had shirts for $15 the other week that were just the right fit and style. 

 Where are some of your favorite shops for men?  

Fun Links for your weekend:

Crazy about these Gold dipped DIY Notebooks.

Colleen introduced me to this line of style. Classy meets Edgy.

Leah Duncan's phone cases are to die for.

Yvonne's lacquer tray DIY will want to make your bolt to Target.

The perfect set up for two kids to a room.

In Case You Missed It:

True Beauty Files: Olive, White, and a Touch of Bright + Link Up

$100 Shop Credit Giveaway to September Wren!

Take 3: Party in the Back

DIY Desk Accessory: Lined Wooden Boxes

Sponsor Spots are doubling in size for the same price for May! Email me for rates!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Real Chat post. Topic Hint: Too much of a good thing.

Style File: Retro Summer Finds for under $45

Photo / Top 1 / Top 2 / Sunglasses 1 / Sunglasses 2 / Shorts / Tote / Sandals

Sometimes I swear I was supposed to be born in the Fifties. I just identify with the style culture, and way of life:) Don't you just want to jump in that photo and enjoy a summer day?

Fun links for the weekend:

A free set of arrow brushes (as used above) by the talented Ez.

Styled. Issue Six is a fresh take on Spring.

Can't get over how cute the Mini Rodini line for Poppy's Closet is.

This chevron dress from Stitched + Adorned. (!)

Domino has returned to newstands. Must find!

Love the EveryGirls's 10 Entree Salads for under $50

In Case You Missed It:

Three Ways to Style Mint

Veronica's 12 mo. photos + giveaway

Birthday Celebration Details

3 Party DIY's

Leather Fringe Tiered Necklace DIY

Check back tomorrow's for an all new Real Talk over Coffee post!

Happy weekend!