Fall Fashion: Boots

TGIF, friends! I am so ready for this week to be over. This weekend I am headed to San Diego for a festival called StreetBeat, complete with food, beer, and one of my fav bands, O.A.R. Add in time with a great friend and you get a pretty spectacular Saturday!

Until tomorrow, I'll be sitting at work daydreaming about the perfect autumn outfit. The one I created below actually features a pair of boots I own. They are - get this - Naturalizer riding boots. I know, you're thinking old lady shoes, but really they're comfy and stylish. I adore them!

Fall Fashion: Boots by leeannm featuring leather handbags

Today I am linking up with two wonderful ladies: Kori for Fashion Fridays and AV for Friday's Fancies! Be sure to link up with them if you're blogging about fashion today. And while you're over as Blonde Episodes, be sure to enter Kori's blogiversary giveaway :)

Have a great weekend!

Americana Music Awards

In exactly two weeks from today, I'll be on a plane headed to Nashville to see a great friend. I've never been and I am super excited. I've never had a real southern experience. In fact, I am now eating meat after three years of being a vegetarian, just so I can get the BBQ experience. Yup, I am ready for a good time!

In addition to touring plantations, hitting up the bar scene, visiting Galtinburg, tailgating at a UT game, and taking a haunted tour of Nashville, I just changed my flight so I could attend the Americana Music Awards! I may not know a lot about the artists, but we get to sit among the celebs (real seats, not filler seats thanks to my friend's awesome job!) and enjoy a night at the Ryman Auditorium, the original location of the Grand Ole Opry. Plus it gives me an excuse to go buy a new dress and heels ;)

So in spirit of my upcoming country music experience, here's a little inspiration, Pinterest style.

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: country-life.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: sunnydia.tumblr.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Source: forums.thefashionspot.com via Leeann on Pinterest

Has anyone else ever been to Nashville? Or the Ryman Auditorian?! Do tell :)

If your pinning today, be sure to link up for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday over at The Vintage Apple. And if you're looking for new Pinterest friend, add me and I'll return the favor!

Old Navy Fall Overhaul!

Today, I thought I'd share my recent purchases from Old Navy. I went in to exchange a purse and walked out with a $115 bill. BUT I actually saved $70 so I don't feel that bad. Plus I got six items to show for it.

Old Navy Fall 2011 by leeannm featuring animal print shirts

(Clicik on image for a larger look at the items)

Old navy cardigan
$40 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy animal print shirt
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy fitted long sleeve shirt
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy print blouse
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy tote hand bag
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy fringe scarve
$13 - oldnavy.gap.com

Keep in mind that the prices above are before the buy one, get one 75% off sale that took place last weekend. However, the breezy blouses (numbers 2 and 3) are currently on sale for $15. You've probably seen the commercial all over TV this week. Of course, after I paid full price.

What do you think of Old Navy's fall items? Or waht about fall in general? Link up with Big City Belle and share your autumn inspired posts!

Hart of Dixie Blogger Sneak Peek

Rachel graciously posing with Kate and me. She's gorgeous!

Last week I was fortunate enough to be the + 1 of Kate from Nautical By Nature and accompany her to a special event centering around the new CW show, Hart of Dixie. We were sent advance copies of the pilot and last Tuesday we all came together to discuss the show's fashion with the Costume Designer, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, and star Rachel Bilson.

First thing's first - the show is pretty fantastic! Hart of Dixie is about a New York doctor, Zoe Hart played by Bilson, who has career setback and ends up in a small Alabama town. It's a total culture shock and many of the town's residents want her gone as badly as she wants to up and leave. In addition to the cat fights, potential love interests, and medical drama, fashion is a huge part of the show. In fact, it was the reason that about 10-15 bloggers gathered at Warner Bros. studios last week.

The night consisted of a Q & A session with Bilson and Markworth-Pollack, the opportunity to speak with these talented ladies one-on-one, and hands on costume examination. Super cool! The clothing was amazing, jewelry dazzling, and the shoes - I want one of each pair. Markworth-Pollack did a great job of defining the character's styles. Ladies, she has a great deal of costume design experience, having worked on Gossip Girl. Yup, and I got to be in her presence!

Rachel and Meredith. Rachel described how she adores oversized sweaters.

Meredith is such a talented woman!

The event was held on set, at the town's bar. I literally felt like I was really at a watering hole.

Let's take a look at Zoe's wardrobe. I'm totally smitten over the sleek, sophisticated items that Bilson's character sports. I would definitely rock all of the pieces.

My favorite outfit of Zoe's thus far.

Overjoyed for oxfords!

Lots of stripes, shorts, and blazers.

Now onto co-star, Jamie King, and her character, Lemon Breeland, who is the epitome of a Southern Belle. You can totally see how her vintage, conservative ensembles would clash with the style of an independent female New Yorker's. Zoe and Lemon's wardrobes are just as polar opposite as their personalities.

This dress was made custom for Lemon. Look at that tiny waist!

absolutely.stunning.

Every belle needs a proper hat.

Hey, look who I ran into! It's Annemarie of Brunch at Saks! Such a great surprise.

What do you think about the Hart of Dixie costume design? All of the items were stunning! I was most impressed with the fact that the goal was to dress the characters in fashionable, brand name clothing, yet try to find the items at stores that everyday women can shop at like Loehmann's and NET-A-PORTER.

Be sure to tune in for the Hart of Dixie series premiere on the CW tonight (Monday, September 26) at 9pm! It's a terrific show and you won't want to miss out. See if you can spot some of the items from this post in the pilot episode!

Fashion Fridays Fancies & Favorite Things

Sorry that title was a mouthful, huh? Let me explain, I'm linking up with Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday, Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies, and posting a blog hop for my Favorite Things Swap. Whew. I hope you're not too tired already!

Let's start off with the fashion. The weather is cooling down (but only a bit in Southern California) and I am ready for a full-blown fall. I love autumn attire, like this outfit.

Cozy Clothes for Fall by leeannm featuring a pea coat

Be sure to link up with these wonderful ladies and play along :)

Now onto the swap!

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in the swap. I was scared to host because I wasn't sure anyone would sign up but I was so excited that nearly 40 of you played along! That's amazing. Thanks so, so much!

I was paired up with the adorable Ashlyn of My Unrehearsed Life and received a great package of goodies!

She spoiled me with a funky, fashionable, rainbow-colored leopard scarf, gum, candy, lip gloss, and Essie nail polish! I love everything so much :)

Unfortunately I didn't think to take pictures of the package I sent Ashlyn, but the contents included The Hunger Games book, and fall scented candle, and argyle socks. Three of my loves!

Now it's time to show off what you received in the swap. Link up with your Favorite Things Swap post and show off the goods (you can list your blog name instead of post if you'd like). Be sure to link to your partner's blog so they can get some exposure.

I hope everyone was able to make at least one new bloggin' buddy as a result of this swap!!

If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, check it out here!

P.S. No Man Candy Monday this upcoming week. I'll be doing a Hart of Dixie review instead. Be sure to stop by to check out what it was like meeting Rachel Bilson!

P.P.S. I have another giveaway in the works for next week and an awesome clutch is up for grabs. Here's a sneak peek!

Delta Zeta Bleeds Pink and Green

This week's edition of Pink & Green Thursday is especially fun for me because it centers around my favorite pink and green - Delta Zeta sorority!

Last weekend I helped with recruitment for the first time as an alum. I pledged 10 years ago - in fact, my bid day was THE September 11, 2001. I spent four years as an active Delta Zeta before I went alum. In those four years I met new friends, lived in the sorority house, kicked butt every Greek Week, wore lots of letters, and hung out with silly (but sometimes very attractive ;) fraternity boys. I really don't think my college experience would have been as enriched had I not become a Delta Z.

Needless to say, when I was asked to help with Fall 2011 Rush I was thrilled! In between parties I managed to snap a few Instagram pictures. It's obvious that we love our pink!

The tablescapes were girly and fun


A closer look - note our mascot, the turtle, on the tables!


Pink lemonade was served


Balloon mania!


♥ DKZ


Were/are you in a sorority? If so which one?


Please note: this Monday I will NOT be posting for Man Candy Monday. Sorry to skip it but I have my Hart of Dixie recap. Link ups will resume the following week (Monday, October 3).

Also, be sure to enter my latest giveaway if you haven't yet!

Eco Natural Soap

Before I get to the good of this post, I wanted to let everyone know I am hosting a giveaway. Be sure to check it out and enter!

This week's edition of What the Hell Wednesday (created by the wonderful Christianna of The Girl With the Blue Bow - be sure to link up with her!) is a great opportunity to talk about natural products...or lack thereof. We use bath and body products numerous times a day but do we really know "what the hell" they are made of? I sure don't. But thanks to Alicia of Eco Natural Soap, I now have an idea.


Check this out, as explained by Alicia: I Googled the ingredients on my bars of Dove, Neutrogena and my husbands Irish Spring. I was so amazed at what is allowed to go into the soaps we use. One of the things that I learned was that almost all regular bars of soap that we purchase have tallow, which is what comes from animals that are too sick to be used for food! The ingredients that we read were so disturbing to us that we threw out all of the soaps we were using and started buying all natural organic soaps.

As a result, Alicia and her husband decided to open their own shop, Eco Natural Soap, and make quality, natural products. She was so kind and sent me a bunch of goodies to try out - which I happily did! Among the package was an Oatmeal & Honey Bar that I feel in love with. When using the bar, the oatmeal granules can really be felt and work as mini massagers. Plus the smell is nice and not too overpowering.


I was also quite pleased with the "Lip Relief" All Natural Lip Balm in Natural Unscented. The balm is thick enough that you can feel it's working, but not too thick where it feels chunky on the lips (I hate that!). It also works quickly! I had chapped lips so I put the balm on at night and woke up to smooth skin.

I asked Alicia why it's so important to shop natural and she explained: One of the reasons it is so important to take the time to shop with us is that all of our products are really truly natural, So many claim to be natural but if you check the ingredients thoroughly you will find that is not the case at all! Also we have made our all natural products very affordable.

I agree! It's very impressive that all of the items are reasonably priced. Usually I assume that since it's all-natural it's going to cost a fortune. Not the case at all with Eco Natural Soap. Great prices AND free shipping. So there is no reason not to shop with them.

So head on over and browse around at Eco Natural Soap! Alicia and her husband are always adding new items to the shop. In fact, just since looking at the site last week I already see new goodies!

And be sure to check out Alicia's blog, Eco Friendly Homemaking.



Photos courtesy of: Eco Natural Soap

My Memories Giveaway!

Recently I was contacted My Memories to review their digital scrapbooking software and scrapbook kits AND offer my readers a giveaway - of course I was extremely interested! Not only do I get to play with a program to help me improve my blogging and photos, but I also get to offer you all an awesome product!

First thing's first, this product is easy to use! I am not as skilled as most of you ladies with Photoshop and I always envy your cool collages. But, if you are like me and lacking in this department, My Memories is the way to go. It's literally as easy as picking a template and plugging in photos. I did have a few questions, but they were easily answered with in help section.

Check out a few of the collages I made that go along with Big City Belle's Fall in Love link up!

Now here's where the giveaway comes in! One lucky reader will get a free My Memories software download!

To enter you must be a Google Friend Connect follower of Join the Gossip and let me know.

For extra entries (one entry each):

-Follow Join the Gossip on Facebook
-Follow My Memories on Facebook
-Follow My Memories on Twitter
- Follow Join the Gossip on Twitter
-Tweet about the giveaway

That's a potential for SIX entries!

One winner will be selected on Monday, September 26 and announced on Tuesday, September 27. Good luck!

Special offer: Use the code STMMMS50597 to get a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store.

Collage photos courtesy of: Pinterest

Man Candy Monday: Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon is pretty much a quadruple threat - he can act, host, write, and sing. Do you need another reason for him to qualify as Man Candy? Yeah, me neither! The funny man is also pretty cute. Maybe not classically, but his humor adds to his appeal. I love when he cracks himself up and can't keep a straight face. It's adorable. Just look at that face...

Name

James Thomas Fallon Jr

Birthday

September 19, 1974

From

New York

Relationship Status

Married to Nancy Juvonen

Fun Facts

-Is of Irish descent.

-Wanted to be on Saturday Night Live ever since he was a little boy.

-He breaks character so often that the act was coined as "Jimmy Falloning".

-Does great impressions.

-Has put out a (comedy) music album.

Notable Roles

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Saturday Night Live

Fever Pitch

Factory Girl

Have someone else in mind for Man Candy Monday? Link up and play along! We'd love to drool over your pick of the week!

Photos courtesy of: BAM's Blog, WTFoodge.com, Hollywire, Ask Men