much love, illy

sponsor love + giveaway with Jessica N Designs.

2012-02-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

meet jessica of Jessica N Designs.

"Hello! I'm Jessica, creator of jessicandesigns. I am a Wife, Mommy of 3, Romantic, Dreamer. I am Lover of Jesus, my family, vintage, country music, coffee, books, lip gloss, designing & movie nights with my Hubby. On my blog, I love to share my designs, my love of pretty things, my love for the handmade community & all the inspiration I gather. I give new life to vintage silverware & create unique & meaningful hand stamped jewelry in my shop! I would love to have you stop by & say Hi!"

{giveaway}

i get a kick out of just about anything personalized - and her coffee spoons in her shop HERE, you have to check out! they are the cutest with the most adorable of sayings. and i love anything with hearts and hearts most certainly make their appearances in everything in her shop! looking for anything for weddings, gardens, the special ladies in your life, then look no further - this is IT, folks!

and so i am totally wishing that i was you to get the sweet chance at Jessica N Designs' generous giveaway of a $30 shop credit & Large Ad Space on the Jessica N Designs blog! talk about a spicy deal - gotta love it!

{how to enter:}

visit the Jessica N Designs shop and comment below on what you would spend the shop credit on if you win!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional entries - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

- be a public GFC blog follower of this blog (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follow of the Jessica N Designs blog (1 entry)

- follow Jessica N Designs via Facebook (1 entry)

- follow @Jessicandesigns and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet, OR facebook about this giveaway and include the link in your comment (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i love giving vintage new life, so i wanna win the @JessicaNDesigns giveaway over @muchloveilly's blog! http://tinyurl.com/6rsqkyg

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVE for 15% off of your entire Jessica N Designs order!

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers* thru February 27th.

Winner will be announced on February 28th.

*as requested by sponsor, an international winner will be asked to pay $5 to cover for shipping/handling.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

dear bloggity-blog.

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

crazy to think that it's been two years since this first post.

but here we are - moving forward to year #2!

*squeal* and *happy dance action*

you are my fave and can't wait to see what this next year brings us!

p.s. lil' blog, we're gonna have a blogiversary party real soon.

doesn't mean momma doesn't love you 'cause she sure freakin' does.

but for now, celebrate birthday #2 with this shop coupon code BLOGBDAY20

for 20% off of your entire Much Love, illy shop order!

much love.

{happy 2nd blogiversary, lil' blog.}

happiness.

2012-02-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

being with my fiance for four whole days.

three stories of H+M goodness.

cobalt blue pants that Ryan thinks are hawt.

jumping pictures.

salted caramel hot chocolate.

mint green nailpolish.

snail mail letters and packages.

girl scout cookies.

Glad You Came by The Wanted.

hearts.

art journaling.

what's on your happiness list?

much love.

[happy weekend, friend.]

p.s. just a couple more days to enter this suh-weet giveaway!

and then there was light, valentine red tights, chipotle, and frozen yogurt.

2012-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ryan knows me well. we've celebrated 5 Valentine's Days together so he knows what floats my little boat. and what he had planned for us this year totally floated my boat. he surprised me with tickets to Dialogue in the Dark, where you basically experience life well, in the dark. i'm not going to give too much away - in case there are some locals who want to experience this for themselves - but seriously, as weird as it was, it made me think about what someone without his/her sight experiences every single day. so during that hour of darkness, you really had to rely on all of your other senses to make it through each of the various scenarios - whether it was finding a tree in a park (you could actually feel the grass and the mulch) or finding the change in your pocket to purchase a drink at a cafe. so wild, right?!

the rest of the day, we enjoyed walking around Atlantic Station (where Dialogue was at) - even popped into an H+M (we don't have one in SC - boo - and it's one of my fave places to shop). after that, we headed home and i changed into one of my favorite black dresses and rocked out in some red tights and we made our way to my all time favorite places to go to when i'm in Atlanta with Ryan (next to Panda Express, of course), Chipotle! seriously, this place is heaven to me and i would pick it over any fancy-smanchy restaurant. again, we don't have one in SC, so i savor it every time i can get my taste buds on a burrito bowl. it also brings back a lot of good Chicago memories for me and Ryan.

and last but not least, we split a big cup of delish frozen mango and classic tart yogurt, topped with a TON of fruit (including these cool, weird strawberry poppers), and headed home to watch the most romantic movie in the world. wait for it...wait for it...Breaking Dawn, part I. just me, Ryan, and oh, dear Edward.

on a serious note, i was just happy to be with Ryan.

we could have read phone books out loud for Valentine's Day and i would've been the happiest girl in the world 'cause i was with him.

best Valentine's Day ever.

but i think i say that every year.

i must have a pretty darn good Valentine then.

much love.

{happy thursday, friend.}

p.s. are you Cat Song (#87) 'cause you just won the Stitched + Adorned giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize. congrats to Cat and thank YOU, Stitched + Adorned for a fantastic giveaway!

passing notes.

2012-02-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

photos by me / inspired by danni of ohhellofriend.

made this book of notes for my Valentine this year.

i made him one a couple years back and he loved it.

i have a feeling he's gonna love this one, too.

much love.

{happy valentine's day, friend.}

p.s. don't forget to enter the Shopkempt giveaway happening HERE!

sponsor love + giveaway with Shopkempt.

2012-02-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

frejac zig zag dress: c/o Shopkempt / belt, cardi: forever 21 /tights: c/o We Love Colors / clutch: c/o Le Mode Accessories / valora booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

ever have a pattern that you are solely addicted to?

lately, give me chevron anything and i'm like "come to momma."

that's what i'm feeling with this dress. the black, brown and white chevron pattern is one of my closet favorite, and one that i've found to easily pair with just about any bright pop of color. and since i'm such a fan of layering, it's the perfect piece for that sort of fashion action.

{giveaway:}

the incredible, rockstar people of Shopkempt is an online boutique showcasing the most darling of clothing, accessories, shoes, and jewelry! and today, they are giving one of you the chance to a $50 Shopkempt gift card. holla!

{how to enter:}

Like the Shopkempt Facebook page and let them know that Much Love, illy sent ya!

(mandatory entry)

{really, really wanna win?}

additional entries - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- follow Shopkempt Pinterest (1 entry)

- be a Bloglovin' follower of this blog (1 entry)

- follow @Shopkempt and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and include link in comment (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

in LOVE with @Shopkempt so i entered their sweet giveaway over @muchloveilly's bloggity-blog! http://tinyurl.com/8yexupe

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVEILLY15 for 15% off of your entire Shopkempt order (valid thru Feb. 29).

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru February 20th.

Winner will be announced on February 21st.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

to agree to disagree on red velvet cake.

2012-02-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

via yahoo images

"I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness, and to have the patience that love demands. To speak when words are needed, and to share the silence when they're not. To agree to disagree on red velvet cake, and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home."

- quote from the vow

much love.

{happy weekend, friend.}

sometimes.

2012-02-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

my current favorite lipstick, revlon candy apple

sometimes i wish i owned a pet tiger.
sometimes i dream about having a big house with me and ryan and our 10 kids (9 girls and 1 boy).
sometimes i dream of a little studio apartment with just me and ryan forever (then we would never have to mow the lawn).
sometimes i think it'd be fun to have pink hair. or red. or maybe blue.
sometimes i come up with the best blog post or project epiphanies in the middle of the Sunday morning church service (sssshhh!).
sometimes i have to check my bathroom 3x to make sure the straighter is unplugged before leaving my house.
sometimes i wear red lipstick and feel like a model.
sometimes i wear red lipstick and feel like a clown (so i wipe it off on those days).
sometimes i think i'd like to be more athletic.
sometimes i wish i wasn't so disorganized.
sometimes i sing really loud in the shower and pretend i'm Adele.
sometimes i wish i ate healthier.
sometimes i talk in a British accent because i think it makes everything all the more fun. wouldn't you say, old chap?
sometimes i wish i was 5'10 instead of 5'3 but then i remember i probably wouldn't wear my big heels as often and i wouldn't be the perfect height for Ryan's hugs.

but only sometimes.

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

i made a creative decision this year.

2012-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

cherry blossom sweater: c/o Asianicandy / tank, belt, ring: f21

wide leg jeans: GAP / watch: fossil / vance booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

to think outside my normal realms of creativity.

to record more of every day life with this little guy.

i love him so much but don't show it.

i stocked up on film over the weekend, plus little guy and i have a couple fun adventures coming up in the next few weeks,

so we have more than enough material to play with.

i promise to share our adventures here, so remind me if i totally don't.

it's not personal. just sheer forgetfulness.

much love.

{happy thursday, friend.}

p.s. did ya enter the rocking giveaway happening on the blog this week? well, ya should!

7 things on mah mind.

2012-02-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

jacket: gift from Mom / striped tee: f21 / pants: tjmaxx / hans boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes / watch: fossil
diamond tennis bracelets: c/o anjolee / clutch: c/o Le Mode Accessories

1. how i will never be emotionally prepared to watch The Notebook (playing in my DVD player now as i type) and i have the feelings towards watching The Vow this weekend.

2. how much orange is making an appearance in my wardrobe pickings

3. how pizza rolls have made a comeback in my life - and the fact that i never want them to leave. ever again.

4. how diamond really are a girl's best friend - especially pretty tennis bracelets like this one from my friends of Anjolee (where you can find a variety of diamond bracelets of all kinds) - it's the perfect size, the perfect sparkle - LOVE it!)
5. ~~how i realized 2 hours later that i forgot to list a #5 to this list (hehe)~~ but now you have it!

6. how i am still cracking up over the M+M super bowl commercial. um, yes. 3 days later.

7. how this time next week i'll be with Ryan and the world will be made right again.

much love.

{happy wednesday, friend.}

p.s. did ya check out the Stitched + Adorned giveaway happening HERE?!

wrap me good.

2012-02-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

wrap: Windsor / boyfriend jeans: GAP / garren wedges: Blowfish Shoes / multi-chain bracelet: c/o Poshlocket

i remember a friend (and most likely a biology textbook way back when) tell me a long time ago that when you are full, your body gets cold. something about all the blood rushing to your stomach to grind up all that food. well, today i was freeeezzing all day. and i have a feeling that it has to do with all of that wonderfully, sinfully, delicious super bowl party food that i indulged in last night. and for breakfast and maybe, lunch today, too. my mouth starts salivating when i think about it.

oh, and maybe since the temps dropped 20-plus degrees, that might have something to do with it too.

but it's all good. i got this wrap in the mail over the weekend (when it was 70-something of humidity degrees) but now, i'm going to add it to my collection of sweaters i want to live in for foh-eva. i'll leave a note in my will to bury me with it. it's that fantastic.

much love.

{happy tuesday, friend.}

p.s. are you Dearest Lou (#206) 'cause you won the incredible January group giveaway!? shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim all of your awesome prizes! congrats to Dearest Lou and thank YOU to all the fantastic sponsors!

sponsor love + giveaway with Stitched + Adorned.

2012-02-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

jacket: f21 / lace in teal dress: c/o Stitched and Adorned / black tights: c/o We Love Colors / vance booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

i'm a sucka for anything super girly.

and i'm especially digging the bomber jacket look for spring.

so pairing my jacket with this lace dress from my awesome sponsors, Stitched + Adorned definitely meets the look that i was looking for. plus it's comfy and gives that punch of color you know i'm obsessed with.

and guess what?! a super-duper lucky Much Love, illy reader gets the chance - wait for it, wait for it - to get their hands on any Stitched + Adorned item in shop. so heck yea, you heard it - WINNER'S CHOICE, baby!

{how to enter:}

Like the Stitched + Adorned facebook page HERE.

let them know that Much Love, illy sent ya! (mandatory entry)

{really, really wanna win?}

additional entries - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

- visit the Stitched + Adorned shop and comment on what item you'd choose if you win! (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- Like the Much Love, illy Facebook page (1 entry)

-follow @muchloveilly and @StitchedAdorned via twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and include its link (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i wanna win the kick-awesome @StitchedAdorned WINNER'S CHOICE giveaway happening over @muchloveilly!! http://tinyurl.com/7q6fol9

{don't wanna wait?}
use coupon code muchlove10 for 10% off of your entire Stitched + Adorned order (valid thru the entire month of February).

Giveaway is open ONLY to US Much Love, illy readers thru February 13th. Winner will be announced on February 14th.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

trying to live in the moment, but it's hard when you are looking forward to something in the future.

2012-02-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

via engagement photo shoot by timtabstudios

i cannot wait to see this face in less than 2 weeks.

i will hug his neck super tight.

and not let go for a very long time.

much love.

{happy weekend, friend.}

p.s. don't forget the extreme-awesome giveaway happening on da blog. two more days, folks.

walking contradiction.

2012-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

denim button-up: belk / cobalt jeans: tjmaxx /scarf: charming charlie's / chloe multi-chain bracelet: c/o Poshlocket / green bracelets: c/o IHOD / ring: pandora, gift / watch: fossil / leopard flats: jessica simpson, belk

- a few week ago i was totally hating on Tom Brady especially when the Patriots beat the Broncos (love mah man, Tebow), while this weekend i'm rooting for him since i'm not the biggest fan of Eli Manning. Go Patriots! (that really hurt to say that...)

- never been a fan of denim over denim, yet i wear it probably once a week these days

- Ashton Kutcher has never been academy-winning in my eyes, but i find myself always falling in love with his character in movies (specifically Valentine's Day and The Killers)

- never been a fan of matchy-matchy, yet all season, i'm finding myself matching colors in most of my outfits as of late

- love a good prank but i get super paranoid if i'm the target of one

- love Mr. Darcy and Pride + Prejudice but cannot watch the 4 hour version ever again

- i love bright colors (not a secret!) but bright hot pink lipstick intimidates me

- love working out, hate running

and you, friend? any contradictions you dare to share?

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

rumor has it.

2012-02-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

sweater: f21 / wide leg jeans: GAP / necklace: c/o Le Mode Accessories

cuff: gift from friend / Vance booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

um, i have a feeling winter is officially over here. at least in our part of the country.

today, all i could think about were sandals, cute tanks tops, a beach vacay, and smoothies.

didn't help that i got some sweet sandal wedges in the mail and walked around the house in them, thinking about how awesome they would look with shorts. shorts, ilene?!

we still have some chilly nights that creep up on us - so later in the evening, i had a light jacket on. but i think i'm just gonna pretend that that didn't happen...mmmkkay, 'cause i think hope those will be over soon. since i got a taste of warm weather the past few weeks (SC weather is such a tease), i've officially been bitten by spring fever already.

summer also means more time with the fiance.

so forget spring. summer needs to get here STAT.

much love.

{happy thursday, friend.}

teeny-tiny hearts and such.

2012-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

the other day, i had all this extra red felt leftover - too small for my shop poppies - but perfect to cut out teeny-tiny red hearts.

call me cheesy. call me a romantic - but i am super excited about this month!

- seeing the color red and hearts everywhere

- one month closer to The Hunger Games movie release and Creative Estates Retreat

- warmer weather (here in the south, at least) so that i can wear my Timos from Blowfish Shoes' new spring line

- release of Pandemonium sequel to one of my all-time fave books, Delirium

- if you are a Team Edward or Team Jacob fan, you know that February 11th is a big deal

- amazing line-up of new February sponsors (see left hand side of screen - aren't they beeee-aautiful?!)

- all the Valentine's Day candies out for grab (Lifesavers Gummies in berry flavor with little message hearts are currently my fave!)

and last but not least...

- spending Valentine's Day with my fiance

(biggest highlight of the month since for those new friends here, we are long distance - so we get excited even running errands together. being together is sort of a HUGE deal! anyone else relate?!)

what are you looking forward to the most this month, friend?

much love.

{happy february, friend.}

living in yellow is the new Oprah.

2012-01-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

oh, man. oh, man. oh, man.

i say this out of excitement. you know the kind where you jump up and down over and over again?

yeah, that's me - right now. 'cause i'm excited.

call of you are in for a treat today?!

and whether or not you are a fan of Oprah - who isn't a fan of all things adorable, lovely, and...freebies - you will love this post! erin of Living in Yellow is absolutely adorable and lovely and wants to give all of you amazing people a chance at some freebies. see? what did i tell ya?

just like Oprah. maybe better.

Hello there lovelies!

I’ve come to a conclusion.
Guest posts are kinda like blind dates.
You have no idea who is waiting for you on the other end,

what they will think of you, if you said everything correctly, blah blah blah.
First, you start out with all the basics:Name is Erin.

Height is 5’4, weight is none of your business ;).
Write a blog called Living In Yellow.

I’m a wife to one. A handsome one at that.

Mother of a cute little black 5 pound ball of fur

Oh, and I consume entirely way too much macaroni and cheese.

Second, you have to create some mystery.

Give away a little bit of information, but make him want to investigate further.

Like so:-I swear by this little diet trick to stay “cleaned out” at all times.

-Yes, I write about gettin' dirty with my husband.

-I have a secret love affair. Except now it’s not a secret.

And last, if all else fails..you have to reel him in with the goods.

It’s a first date ladies, a kiss is the furthest I’m talkin.

Keep it classy.

In blogging terms, “the goods” is a giveaway.

And today, I have just that.

You see, that blog I mentioned earlier—is celebrating it’s one year anniversary today.

And to celebrate that tremendous feat of me sticking with something for more than three weeks,

I’m giving away some {okay like 12} of my favorite things.

Think Oprah or Ellens giveaways.

Only bigger and better of course.

Told you.

So get your booties over to Living In Yellow asap and get yourselves entered.

Oh and hey, stick around for awhile over there would ya?

I would love to continue this date and get to know YOU a little better ;)

See ya on the other side homies.
+
isn't Erin the cutest thing...ever?!
love her style, as well as her hilarious and adorable personality!
soooo...be sure to check out her blog today, show her some loving, and enter the waaaay awesome GIVEAWAY happening over there. this girl is the NEW and improved oprah, i tell ya.

much love.
[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Leigh-Ellen (#29) 'cause you just won the rockin' Honey Pot Pet Studio giveaway! claim your prize by shooting me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com! congrats to Leigh-Ellen and thank you, amazing ladies of Honey Pot!

geometric.

2012-01-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

chunky cream sweater: JCPenney / dress: gift from friend, reverie market / rubine tights: c/o We Love Colors / rings: f21, charming charlie's / bracelet: c/o Poshlocket / valora boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes

like the geometric pattern of my dress, this post will have several different angles. angle 01: currently obsessed with dresses turned into skirt (do you remember this dress from my birfday last year?) angle 02: my sister has totally been into 80's movies as of late, so with Ryan's recommendation, we watched Teen Wolf (the Michael J. Fox version) over the weekend. and oh my goodness, it was sooooo...80's and the good kind of stupid movie where you laugh until your stomach hurts. if you've seen it, the line "never say...die" has been making my sister and i crack up all weekend. angle 03: cozy, over-sized sweaters are my fave. i can't get enough of them. i could live in them all the time. angle 04: excuse my almost non-existent lips in this post. i used a very neutral lip gloss - which i think looks better in real life than in these photos. the end.

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. one more day left to enter the Honey Pot Pet Studio giveaway!

i spy something delightful.

2012-01-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

remember my giddy post a little while back? well, the year kicked off with some good news and i couldn't wait to announce all of them to you (all in good time, all in good time) - and one of those very things was announced over HERE last Friday! (pssst! do you spy me up there in the upper left corner?! yeaaah, the one in the red tights. of course.)

a couple of weeks ago, i was invited to join in the fun over The Delightful Dozen, a fantastic group of 12 bloggers from all of the U.S.! *squeal* every member gets the chance to contribute to DD blog and swap clothes just like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (except not just pants - all sorts of clothes to share and remix!). i'm especially loving the community within the group and its readers - there is so much variety in personality and styles!

and also thanks so much for the suh-weet congratulatory tweets, facebook messages and comments over the weekend! your support and shared excitement with me means so much. you guys rock!

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

p.s. don't forget to enter today's HUGE january group giveaway happening HERE!

explosive january group GIVEAWAY.

2012-01-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

mind-blowing.

inspiration to the max.

creative.

beautiful.

these are words to describe this uh-mazing line-up of sponsors.

i am beyond grateful for their support and friendship to me and even more so, the inspiration that they offer to the world with their creations and words.

and because they're so awesome and they think that you're so awesome, check to see what awesome swag they are offering a very lucky Much Love, illy reader!

meet holly of Shop Holly Dolly

and find her via shop / blog / facebook / twitter

giving away this darling Honey Bee necklace and bracelet set (valued at $24)!

meet dana of The Wonder Forest

and find her via blog / shop / facebook / twitter / pinterest

giving away Large Ad Space over at The Wonder Forest blog (valued at $25)!

meet claire of Polka Dot Pretties

and find her via blog /shop / twitter / facebook

giving away $20 Polka Dot Pretties shop credit!

meet natalia of Ma Nouvelle Mode

and find her via blog / facebook / twitter

giving away Large Ad Space on the Ma Nouvelle Mode blog (valued at $25)!

meet Kelsey of Poofy Cheeks

and find her via blog / shop / facebook / pinterest / twitter

giving away $20 Poofy Cheeks shop credit!

meet katie of Party of Four

and find her via blog / facebook / shop

giving away $20 Party of Four shop credit!

meet erika of Rouge and Whimsy

and find via shop / blog / bloglovin' / facebook / twitter

giving away Rouge + Whimsy swag - sleeping beauty mask and a pair of button earrings!

meet carina of a punk, a pumpkin, and a peanut + Lovely Little Whimsy

and find her via blog /shop / facebook / twitter

giving away $20 Lovely Little Whimsy shop credit!

meet kayla of Love Sparkle Pretty

and find her via blog / shop

giving away this darling Love Sparkle Pretty scarf and brooch!

seriously awesome, right?!

and this week one very lucky Much Love, illy reader gets a chance to win all of IT!

did i really just say all of it? YES, all of it!

so get those little fingers typing away STAT.

{how to enter:}

be a GFC blog follower of this blog!

(mandatory entry - that's it!)

{really, really wanna win?}

additional entries - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

- follow, like, or heart any of the listed links and let me know which sponsor

- tweet, blog, or facebook about the giveaway and let me know that you did

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i LOVE handmade swag + blogging so i entered the explosive GROUP GIVEAWAY happening over at @muchloveilly's blog! http://tinyurl.com/7ay7ml8

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru Monday, February 6th.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 7th.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

foxy lady.

2012-01-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

cardi: belk / boyfriend jeans: GAP / tee: c/o dressing on the side / jessica simpson leopard flats: belk

fox brooch pin: c/o wonderforest / bracelets: c/o IHOD / watch: fossil

a few weekend favorites:

- Revlon's colorburst candy apple lipstick

- my very foxy brooch from my friend, dana

- Glee's proposal episode a couple weeks ago

- laughing at stupid things at 1am in the morning with my little sister

- gray + glitter nailpolish combo

- Gavin Degraw's Not Over You

- playing Temple Run on my itouch

- the trailer for The Vow

what things are topping your list of weekend favorites?

much love.

{happy weekend, friend.}

p.s. don't forget to enter the suh-weet (no pun intended) Honey Pot Pet Studio giveaway!

messy bun buffet.

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

so i've received a ton of requests last year and even this year to do a messy bun tutorial on this here blog - and i'm more than willing to, but every time i've sat down to try to do it, i don't find that my bun tutorial as very original at all. i feel like my bun technique is a conglomeration of some messy bun tutorial favorites of mine.

so this weekend if you got the extra time to play with your hair, grab a couple rubber bands (the kinds that don't pop easily - especially if you have thick hair like me), a cheap comb, dry shampoo or hairspray and you should be all set!

{keiko lynn.}

via keikolynn

one of the easiest looks to master! i've never tried it with the volume powder like Keiko used, but it still worked when i used lots of hairspray.

click HERE for Keiko's video.

{sydney of The Daybook.}

via The Daybook

found this tutorial super easy and rocked it out a lot last year for those of you that have hung out around here for awhile. i used this video in this look and a lot of my summer hairstyles last year.

click HERE for Sydney's video.

{promise tangeman.}

PROMISES MESSY BUN HAIR TUTORIAL from promise tangeman on Vimeo.

this last one is my most recent discovery of messy buns (along with my recent discovery of dry shampoo - oh my goodness, why have i waited this long?!). i used this tutorial for yesterday's look HERE.

so there you have it - a buffet of messy bun tutorials.

and like i said, one day i'll sit down and doing my own vlog if you really wanna hear my voice.

maybe it'll be an excuse to use my British accent.

much love.

{happy friday, friend.}

p.s. love your pet! then you MUST enter the Honey Pot Pet Studio giveaway!

your little guy will love you even more for it.

messy.

2012-01-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

cargo jacket, jeans, chambray button-up: belk / beams boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes

earrings: Francesca's Collection / traveling bag: Le Mode Accessories

it's been a long week.

so messy buns have been my life saver.

also, not gonna lie, a random Walgreen's run to stock up on sweet-tarts (the mini chewy ones are a new obsession!) and explore the world of dry shampoo + red lipstick kinda made my day.

much love.

[happy thursday, friend.]

p.s. have an adorable doggy or kitty cat? then you're not gonna want to miss out on this here giveaway, people!

sponsor love + giveaway with Honey Pot Pet Studios.

2012-01-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

meet the ladies of Honey Pot {Pet Studios}.

Hello! First things first - Honey Pot {Pet Studios} is operated by pet lovers like you. We design and distribute a wide range of pet products nationwide. Our products are uniquely designed, hand selected, tested and catered to you with materials or the highest quality standards. Our products are eco-friendly, handmade, made in the U.S.A. and Canada. You will find new, playful and bright products on this only shop weekly. Our pricing is also intended to keep you coming back for more. Don't forget that many of our products include free shipping! Sign up for our free newsletter to receive coupons, promo codes, specials, and website updates!

XOXO - Honey Pot Team

Thank you for visiting - we're so glad you're here!

aren't these ladies the best?! no wonder their shop is adorable! and the shop has gotten me and my dog, Pey-pey super giddy - and once you browse this adorable shop, you will see why! the variety will amaze you - from treats, cozy beds, grooming supplies, party supplies (say whaaaat?!) for your cat and/or dog! oh, the apparel so stylish - Pey and i are in awe!

{giveaway:}

and today one you suh-weet, pet loving readers get's the chance to win a $40 E-gift card! SCORE! you win this giveaway and you can add some swag to your kitty cat or your puppy dog's prance! maybe add some extra treats to their bowl. if it were me, i'd totally put it towards this adorable bow tie for Pey!

{how to enter:}

visit Honey Pot Pet Studio and comment on what you would spend the shop credit on if you win!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

- Like the Honey Pot Pet Studio Facebook Page (1 entry)

- be a GFC public follower of this blog (1 entry)

- follow Honey Pot Pet Studio blog via email (1 entry)

- follow Honey Pot Pet Studio Pinterest Page (1 entry)

- blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and include the link in your comment (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i heart my pet so i entered the Honey Pot Pet Studio giveaway happening over @muchloveilly's blog!!! http://tinyurl.com/7olg2mo

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVE25 for FREE SHIPPING on all orders $25 and more!

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian Much Love, illy readers thru Tuesday, January 31st.

Winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 1st.

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are you DreamerLis (#56) of All Glorious Within?! cuuuz you just won the Acute Design Giveaway - woohoo! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize! congrats to DreamerLis and thank YOU Acute Design for a fantastic giveaway!

what i didn't know about faux fur vests.

2012-01-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

dress/skirt: base exchange / sweater: f21 / faux vest: belk / black tights: c/o We Love Colors / hanakai wedges: c/o Blowfish Shoes / green hobo bag: Le Mode Accessories / bracelet: c/o PoshLocket

1. it sheds more than my dog. probably didn't help that i wore a black dress and tights. my mom, my sister, and i constantly picked at my outfit through the entire church service.

2. people constantly coming up to you to feel your furriness. even our waiter who rubbed my shoulder and said, it's real, isn't it?

3. being automatically nicknamed "Miss Fuzzy."

4. people continually asking, so...uh, how many animals did you kill?

5. the assumption people have the automatic permission to feel you. there is a difference with this and the actual action of feeling, for clarification. i feel that this is more awkward.

6. the glazed, sympathetic look that people give me pretty much saying, ooooh, yeah. you're not from around these parts.

7. how ridiculously warm it is. i could probably wear this baby over a swim suit and still ~~sweat~~ stay warm! pure perfection for chilly, winter days.

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Alissa Circle (#164) of Rags to Stitches?! you just won the Lee La La giveaway so shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize! congrats to Alissa and thank you, Lindsay!

sponsor love with Aleksandra of Little Daily Miracles.

2012-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

meet aleksandra of Little Daily Miracles.

Hey there! My name is Aleksandra, and I recently started my blog, "Little Daily Miracles". I'm a 20-years old girl living in the historical city Vienna, where I study architecture and design. Feel free to visit my blog and follow me on my way through art, music and traveling! From me to you, A.

um, so first off, who can raise their hand with me and say, i want Aleksandra's life?! i'll be the first to raise my hands - both of them if necessary. this girl lives in Vienna (swoon!) and studying architecture and design. and i have always been an admirer of artistic work and these images (plus the ones over at her deviantart site) make my heart go pitter-patter. i would kill to have this talent! (my doodling does not count.)

follow her life of traveling, architectural studies, and breath-taking drawings via...

blog / twitter / facebook

and i've closed comments for this post, so you can stop by and visit her and leave her some lovin', friends!

leave her lots and lots of it!

much love.

[happy monday, friend.]

p.s. one more day to enter the suh-weet Lee La La giveaway!

7 pretty things on Sunday Link-Up partaaaaay!!

2012-01-22T04:04:00.000-08:00

Join Gussy Sews, Matchstick Molly, Much Love, Illy + The Letter 4 for today's...

{7 pretty things on Sunday}

linky party!!!!

photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

who doesn't love pretty things? and i love that you can find pretty things everywhere.

the collage above makes this point very true, don't you think?!

photo #7 is my contribution to the bunch because currently i have been on an absolute mad creative mode. my brightly-colored sharpies, my journal (with its own collage - a red velvet sticker, red hearts, and turquoise duck tape!) plus a brand new binder have constantly been by my side, as i have been scribbling, doodling and organizing like crazy to come up with more pretty things whether it's for my blog, shop, wedding, or just ways to make life more creative.

what are 7 pretty things are making life lovelier for you?!

Create your collage of your own pictures or pictures you find online (please give proper credit!) - then do share and join our partaaaaay! Simply add your blog below by linking to your post's permalink. Your link will be automatically added to the other 3 blogs {hooray!}. Then, be sure to check out all the other suh-weet linkers to find even more inspiration!

Happy Sunday, xoxo

giddy.

2012-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

cardi: belk / tank: f21 / boyfriend jeans: GAP / Garren wedges: Blowfish Shoes

necklace: ALDO, gift from Daddy / rings: f21, charming charlie's

feeling super giddy this week, so feeling a little random and my thoughts scattered. i drove around this afternoon and my mind went from shop orders to weekend plans to peanut butter oreos (then again, food interrupting my thoughts is not abnormal). this has also been a week full of good news and will be sharing with you super soon (woohoo - happy dance!). and oh, loooook, i'm not bundled up in layers of scarves, gloves and coat like i would be if i was back in the Midwest - the South Carolina sunshine and temperatures might be having an effect on me.

mustache hair clips: c/o Bugs Beans Momma

and since we are on the random roll, i received this sweet little package from my friend, Amy! my sister and i are obsessed with mustaches and were both giddy over these hair clips. and come on, aren't the names just adorbs?! i love that she named each of them - the tom selleck, the raver - haaaa-larious!

so that's some random awesomeness for you good people.

let's full blast some Katy Perry and get this weekend party started.

much love.

[happy friday, friend.]

p.s. did ya see this sweet giveaway and this one, too?!

expressing LOVE old school style + 7 pretty things on Sunday.

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

valentine cards c/o Julie Ann Art

one of my goals for 2012 is this: take time to write down more handwritten notes. i really believe there is something ultra special about handwritten notes. pen and hand touch the paper (i think this means so much with long distance). handwritten words are prettier. i think i've kicked off this new year right by writing thank you notes to some very thoughtful friends - and now i'm looking forward to sending some sweet love notes to more of those special people! the V-day ones over at Julie Ann Art are my fave! i bought some Christmas cards from her last year and they do not disappoint!

via ohhellofriend

and here is another favorite way i love to express my snail mail to someone! many of you know danni of oh hello, friend and her creative book of notes that she features every now and then on her inspiring blog. the ones she writes to her husband, nick, are some of my fave - and inspired me to create my own for Ryan a couple of years ago. i'm thinking another one might be in the works for him super soon (ssssshhhh!).

via Brooklyn Bride

i think i've always been a fan of cool handwriting. i'm going to have to blame the Babysitter's Club for that. i found this via pinterest and have been forever fantasizing over the pretty lettering on these envelopes! i'm not gonna lie and say that i haven't been doodling these letters in sharpies or calligraphy pens the past couple days. i don't lie, so i won't. uh-mazing, don't you think?!

and by the way, folks...

Speaking of all things pretty (bah-rum-cha!), join the bloggers of Gussy Sews, Matchstick Molly, Much Love, Illy + The Letter 4 on Sunday the 22nd for a "7 pretty things on Sunday" linky party. All you need to do is link your "7 pretty things" blog post {click here to see past posts} come Sunday to one of our blogs {listed above} and it'll automatically link to the other 3 blogs. So easy and so much fun!

What is 7 pretty things on Sunday?

Oh that's a great question! It's just a fun way to share inspirational finds with your blog community. And it's easy: pick seven things that inspire you and include photos of them in your link-up post via blog post ~ be sure to include a photo of each that you took yourself or found online with proper credit, of course!

We love to be inspired and hope to see you Sunday! xoxo

<a href="http://www.gussysews.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="7 pretty things on Sunday" height="125" width="125" title="7 pretty things on Sunday" border="0" src="http://www.gussysews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2-254x300.png" alt="Gussy" /></a>

much love.[happy thursday, friend.]
p.s. TWO very pretty giveaways happening this week - don't miss out!!Lee La La Shop Credit Giveaway+Acute Designs Shop Credit Giveaway

sponsor love + giveaway with Acute Designs.

2012-01-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

"Hi Much Love, Illy readers! My name is Gina and I am a writer and owner of a handmade accessories business called {Acute Designs}. My shop consists of accessories for everyday and special occasions {including bridal} and my writing is a mix of everything. I love just about anything vintage, diy's, and my two crazy dogs."

this darling shop exudes with personality, color, and variety! i love that you can just about anything you need and want when it comes to all things pretty and girly in accessory world! Acute Designs also has several beautiful lines, such as a bridal line and talmadage/heritage line, so be sure to check those pretties out. and speaking of pretties, these have been my favorite for the longest time - might have to get some shopping damage done today (psst! scroll down for the discount code below!)

{giveaway:}

but guess who gets the chance to do some shopping without the damage? um, YOU! Acute Designs is offering a lucky Much Love, illy reader the chance to get their hands on a $25 Acute Designs shop credit! SCORE! so get those grubby fingers stretched out and start your typing away, people!

{how to enter:}

visit the Acute Designs shop and comment below on what you would spend the shop credit on if you win!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - please keep in separate comments to count as individual entries!

- be a public GFC follower of the Acute Designs blog (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- heart Acute Designs via Etsy (1 entry)

- like Acute Designs via Facebook (1 entry)

- blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and include its link (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i love all things pretty so i entered the @AcuteDesigns giveaway over @muchloveilly! enter HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7e2xwaj

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVE20 for 20% off of your entire Acute Designs order - valid through the end of January!

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru Tuesday, January 24th.

Winner will be announced on Wednesday, January 25th.

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Nora Spaulding (#115) 'cause you just won the My Sugar Blossom giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize - and please, be sure to include your mailing address in your email, so that we can get your skinny boho headbands to you ASAP! congrats to Nora and thank you, Danielle!

you can't overdose on vacation.

2012-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

lace in teal dress: c/o Stitched + Adorned / cardi: f21 / ivory tights: c/o We Love Colors / shoes: TJMaxx

scarf: H+M / custom made sunglasses: c/o 39dollarsglasses

this weekend was just what i needed.

a vacation from the vacation.

slept in all possible mornings.

caught up with a girlfriend over at my fave mexican restaurant (ate my weight in salsa and chips).

spent too much time on pinterest.

went on a 20-mile bike ride with daddy (oh, the legs are burning now).

finalized my list of 2012 goals (will share soon!).

obnoxiously tweeted and watched the Golden Globes red carpet with my mom.

smashbooked holiday instax pics.

doodled with my new sharpie markers.

oh, and remembered that i owe you people a couple hair tutorials and a book reading list (it's a new year, so anything is possible).

and speaking of books, add Cinder and Clockwork Prince (read Clockwork Angel first) to whatever reading list you have. pin it. good read it. download it on yo kindle, peeps 'cause i read those back to back over break and...oh, my goodness, talk about dying over books. (to be honest, i'm just trying to find a distraction until March 23rd. i'm sure i'll be dying over that movie, but that's a whole other story.)

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Bree Holloway (#165) 'cause you just won the We Love Colors giveaway?! woohoo! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize - include your mailing address and size so that We Love Color can send you your box of goodies ASAP! congrats to Bree and thank you, We Love Colors!

sponsor love + giveaway with Lee La La.

2012-01-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

"Hi Much Love Illy Friends! I am Lindsay, the girl behind the blog, Lee La La. I am a Momma. I am a so called writer. I am an occasional crafter. I am a fashion lover. I also have an etsy shop that is a reflection for my love of all things girly.

It’s nice to meet you!"

looking for a modern meets boho look? look no further! the ever so talented Lindsay of Lee La La offers that very look by creating this gorgeous line of darling bracelets! you'll also found the cutest toddler tutus and beanies for those special little ladies in your life.

also are you looking for a blog where the writer behind is raw and real, doesn't hold back - along with a mix of fun and fashion - and did i already mention, real life? you'll find that with Lindsay, so seriously, click that follow button. NOW.

{giveaway:}

and today, the lovely Lindsay is offering one of you lucky readers a chance to get your hands on $30 Lee La La shop credit! oh-lala! if you are in love with arm parties, then this is a MUST giveaway to enter because you could totally put that credit to a lovely like this one. or oh, wait this one is a goody, too!

{how to enter:}

visit Lee La la and comment below on your favorite product!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries, pls.

- be a GFC public follower of Lindsay's blog (1 entry)

- be a GFC public follower this blog (1 entry)

- like the Lee La La Facebook page (1 entry)

- follow @LindsayLee00 and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and include the link (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

i love a good arm party + want to win the @LindsayLee00 giveaway happening over @muchloveilly's blog!! http://tinyurl.com/7cy4bt4

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code LOVEILLY for 20% off of your entire Lee La La order!

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru Monday, January 23rd.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 24th.

much love.

{happy monday, friend.}

in one of my moods.

2012-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

tan sweater: f21 / green sweater: H+M / pants: TJMaxx / ring: charming charlie's / hanakai wedges: c/o Blowfish Shoes

sometimes you just need a vacay - and i needed one at the end of last year. i felt a little burnt out, so tired and was grateful to have the chance to get away to Atlanta last week. i spent a couple of suh-weet days with Ryan and got to have the best sushi date with one of my girlfriends - and my family and i as always had a blast being together!

and now that i've had my recharge, i'm super excited about this new year! i feel ambitious and inspired. i feel hopeful and grateful. it's almost a Titanic moment - where i could stand at the tip of a ship and spread my wings out.

probably the cheesiest line i've ever written, but i'm not even joking.

this is a bit delayed, but i'm gonna do it anyways! raising my bottle of glacier freeze Gatorade (got yours, Steph?!), here's to one heck of an awesome brand new year!

much love.

[happy weekend, friend.]

p.s. suh-weet giveaways galore! here and there!

bagel indulging.

2012-01-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

the town we live in is deprived of many things. i believe i've mentioned many a times its lack of Starbucks. it also lacks in bagel places such as Einstein's which is an all-time fave of mine and my sisters. it brings us back to when we lived in Chicago and we would walk down the street to indulge in our bagel cravings.

oh, baby. we were in bagel and shmear heaven. plain bagel with sun-dried tomato and basil shmear with blackberry lemonade to wash it down. we've had colds all week, but we definitely forgot about them during this craving fulfillment session. i think we might have been instantly healed. it's a miracle, i tell ya.

much love.

[happy friday, friend.]

p.s. be sure to check this giveaway and that one. both are rock star!

little things entertain us.

2012-01-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

...like large hotel bathrooms with televisions and huge mirrors.

i never want to leave this bathroom ever.

well, maybe long enough to get food and re-hydrate.

but then back in for some hot shower/bathtub soakage and unhealthy dosage of tv.

pure bliss.

much love.

[happy thursday, friend.]

p.s. two suh-weet giveaways happening here, folks!!

My Sugar Blossom 2 Boho Headbands

We Love Colors goodies package

sponsor love + giveaway with My Sugar Blossom Boutique.

2012-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

meet danielle of My Sugar Blossom Boutique.

"Hi! I'm Danielle!

I'm a full blooded Cherokee Indian

I speak fluent Italian

I collect live seahorses

and I am a mom to 3 little girls.

oh, an only one of these are true.

Guess you'll have to come check out my blog to figure that one out . :)

danielle exudes with personality and color in both her blog and shop - so you don't wanna miss out ~~stalking~~ following either one! she and i also share mad love over Once Upon a Time, so if you decide to follow either of us via twitter, please excuse all the Prince Charming and Gennifer Goodwin fangirl action that will happen. aside from that, danielle is creative, super fun and just adorable!

and today she is generously offering you a taste of her talent with the choice of TWO Skinny Boho Headbands ($30 value). love, love! add some color to your New Year's wardrobe and to your upcoming spring attire, so don't miss out!

{giveaway:}

visit My Sugar Blossom Boutique and comment below on your color choice of Skinny Boho headbands if you win!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional entries - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries!

- be a public GFC follower of Danielle's blog (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- heart My Sugar Blossom Boutique via Etsy (1 entry)

- like My Sugar Blossom Boutique via Facebook (1 entry)

- follow @mysugarblossom and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and include its link (1 entry)

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVESUGAR for 30% off of your entire My Sugar Blossom Boutique order!

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru January 17th.

Winner will be announced on January 18th.

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are MacKenna (#76) 'cause you just won the PoshLocket giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize. congrats to MacKenna and thank YOU, PoshLocket!

double take + smiling.

2012-01-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

sweater: f21 / jeans: Belk / Beams: c/o Blowfish Shoes

bracelet: c/o PoshLocket / scarf: Le Mode Accessories

stripes, scarves, jeans and knee high boots are becoming a staple for me. i realized this after taking these outfit pics and realizing they reminded me of an outfit post last week. being on the road this week (seeing my fiance! woohoo! mega happy dance happening here!), it's one of the easiest and fave looks for me to pack - plus i am constantly in love with all things striped.

and yup, that's pey-pey hanging out with me this week. he's not so much accustomed to the city right now, so he's pretty funny watching him jump at every sound and every person. and as you can tell, he kept trying to walk away while getting these pics taken.

oh, how i love this guy. he makes me smile every day.

and you know what else makes me smile real big?

this beautiful green face, a universal symbol of caffeine goodness.

and you bet that this girl is smiling big.

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. TWO smashing giveaways happening here - don't miss out!

PoshLocket Shop Credit

We Love Colors goodies package

sponsor love + giveaway with We Love Colors.

2012-01-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

- scarlet red, hunter green, and gold -

my mad love for colored tights does not go unnoticed - or so i would think. winter, spring, and on cooler summer days, and of course, fall...you will see me rock out in the colors of the rainbow. most of my collection is made up by my favorite brand, We Love Colors! the quality and the variety of colors are superb and beyond fantastic! for reaaaalzzz.

{giveaway:}

and guess who gets a chance to win your own We Love Colors package full of goodies (2 pairs of Solid Color Micro Fiber Tights, 1 pair of Solid Color Sports Socks)?! YOU do, an uber-lucky Much Love, illy reader!

{how to enter:}

visit We Love Colors and comment below on your favorite product and color!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries!

- Like the We Love Colors fanpage and let them know Much Love, illy sent ya (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- Like the We Love Colors Curvy fanpage (1 entry)

- follow this blog via Bloglovin' (1 entry)

- follow @muchloveilly and @WeLoveColors via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and include the link (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:
i want to rock out in some @welovecolors tights so i entered the giveaway over @muchloveilly!! http://tinyurl.com/88tr56h

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru Monday, January 16th.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 17th.

much love.

[happy monday, friend.]

seester outfit post + random dance parties.

2012-01-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

me - blazer, sequined top, skirt: f21 / black tights: c/o We Love Colors / Hanakai booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes / kristine - sweater, skirt: f21 /maroon tights: c/o We Love Colors / boots: Christmas gift from mom / ashley - shirt, skirt: f21 / rust tights: c/o We Love Colors / booties: gift from mom

getting dressed up is so much more fun with sisters, especially when the three of us are together. and can you tell that i've introduced them to my colored tights obsession? *wicked laugh* we also happened to walk out of our rooms with all three of us wearing mini skirts - did not plan this! it used to happen all the time when we were kids. most of the time, mom planned for us to match - and it would drive me crazy (i guess being the oldest, i liked have my own style). now, not so much. i think it's more fun when we share the same taste in styles!

and not only does being together call for us to a seester photo shoot, but it also calls for some random dancing action!

*cue some Party Rock Anthem here*

much love.

[happy friday, friend.]

p.s. don't forget to enter the Poshlocket giveaway HERE! 'tis a good one!

Jane By Design: Style Challenge #7

2012-01-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

well, folks, we are just a few yards away from the finish line. i can hear the crowds cheering. the pom-poms are more than visible. i can pretty much taste the cool, refreshing Gatorade kissing my lips and going down my throat. but...

it's not quite over yet.

we are almost there.

so what do we need to do to finally cross that blissful finish line...? the last and final challenge, of course - Style Challenge #7! in this challenge, all participants were asked to watch the ABC Family's Jane By Design and take observant notes of every single outfit that the characters rocked out in the premier episode! so like any fashion assistant, one must exercise her keen powers of observation, noting every detail. and that's what i did - check out the chicken scratch below.

the second part of the challenge, we were then asked to select one character that we had observed and write up a post of how to get that character's look. i chose the main character, Jane. though this choice might seem pretty obvious, i couldn't get past her incredible choices in color and skirts. you couldn't not be observant with her outfits as they were all eye-catching and totally up my alley.

what i noticed about Jane is her selection of pops of color in every outfit. whether she is rocking out a sleek, black dress, a Michael Jackson-esque military jacket or a plain collared tee, Jane always selected a colorful bottom or a chunky, statement necklace to add some pop and pizzaz. i also noticed her love for fluffy, poofy skirts - lots of tulle and ruffles - paired with black tights or leggings. Jane also had the best taste in shoes - plus that girl has talent when it comes to running from place to place in the chunkiest of heels!

i recreated my own Jane look with a black cardi (Belk), a neon-striped skirt (H+M), ivory lace tank (gift from mom), neon pink skinny belt (F21), black leggings (F21), and black pumps (Nine West).

for those of you that watched the Jane By Design premiere last night, was there a character's wardrobe that caught your eye? if so, do you have any "get the look" tips for that specific outfit? share them over HERE and let them know that Much Love, illy sent you! need some additional inspiration for this? check this video out for a bit of it!

***

i don't think i can say enough thank you for the support you all have provided for me via comments, text messages, Facebook and tweets! you guys seriously are the best readers and friends in the world. this has been quite the challenge but it's been a fun experience! thanks to ABC Family and Jane By Design for the opportunity!

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. be sure to check out the Poshlocket shop credit giveaway HERE!

sponsor love + giveaway with Poshlocket.

2012-01-03T16:26:00.001-08:00

sweater: f21 / jeans: Belk / Beams boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes

scarf: Charming Charlie's / bracelet: c/o PoshLocket

when i think of the new year, i think glitter and sparkles and GOLD.

something like this beyond spectacular Chloe Multi Chain Bracelet from my lovely sponsors, Poshlocket. this gold-plated bracelet (also available in gunmetal and soon to be available in silver!) has not yet left my wrist and probably never ever will.

it's that uh-mazing, people.

i tell you - you NEED one. and guess what, friend? you get a chance to grab your own! or if that doesn't run up your alley, there are a ton of other gorgeous pieces at PoshLocket. today Poshlocket is offering one of you lucky Much Love, illy readers $25 Poshlocket shop credit! do whaaaat?! the possibilities with that prize is endless!

{giveaway:}

Like the PoshLocket Facebook page and let them know that Much Love, illy sent ya! (mandatory entry)

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries.

-visit PoshLocket and let me know what is your favorite item there (1 entry)

- be a public GFC follower of this blog (1 entry)

- follow @poshlocket and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- sign up for the Poshlocket Mailing list and let me know you did (1 entry)

- blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and include that link that you did (1 entry)

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

making a New Year's wish to win the @Poshlocket giveaway over @muchloveilly's! http://tinyurl.com/7kjkego

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCH10 for 10% off of your entire Poshlocket order (valid through January 21st, 2012).

Giveaway is open to US Much Love, illy readers thru January 10th.

Winner will be announced on January 11th.

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Krysten (#47) of Why Girls are Weird?! you just won This Enchanted Pixie giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize! congrats to Krysten and thank YOU, Polly of This Enchanted Pixie!

Jane By Design: Style Challenge #6

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

there is something about the challenge of taking something out of the ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary. i have witnessed this miracle in the world of handmade business, blogging, and in fashion! and with Style Challenge #6 of the ABC Family's Jane By Design Style Challenge, we are challenged with that very thing - and when we're talking ordinary, we are talking mega ordinary.

we're talking pretzels.
how much more ordinary can you get?
(unless you go with the salted or butter flavors.)

with this challenge, we were asked to take a bag of pretzel and turn it into something fresh, inspiring, and creative for the fashion world in the brand new year. did you know that in the past year, one of the top designer bags was inspired with merely a roll of tape? mesmerizing! so folks, here's what i did with my "roll of tape."

i wanted to work with a contrast-look, taking two things that wouldn't normally go together yet with a little magic and imagination (and courage!), they can! emptying a bag of stick pretzels into a plastic bag, i crushed them so that they broke up into smaller, uneven pieces. i then sewed together two pieces of gold silk to create a wrap bracelet - about 2 feet long. lastly, i laid the bracelet flat on the table and lathered it in fabric glue (E6000 glue to be exact) and then sprinkled the broken pieces of pretzels all over it. after letting it completely dry overnight, i took the bracelet and shook it over the kitchen sink to make sure all the loose pieces fell off. if you plan to wear it more than once, be sure to spray with adhesive or some sort of glaze to keep the pretzels from staling and loosening.

so once you've secured it around your wrist (you can attach a clasp or tie a knot and hide the knot underneath the layers), you can rock out in rockstar/rustic fashion! the gold gives off the glimmer and spunk you need for the new year, while the pretzel gives it a rustic look!

what about you? what everyday items have inspired your wardrobe? be sure to share them over here at the Jane By Design Facebook page - and of course, let them know Much Love, illy sent ya! and you might need the extra dose of inspiration with this challenge (it was a tough one!), so here's a video to help you out!

and one more thing...

thank you, thank YOU for helping me make it this far! i seriously wouldn't have been able to make it through these challenges without your sweet tweets, comments, and wall posts to keep me going. so keep those pom-poms going just a little bit longer - here's to hoping we make it to Style Challenge #3!

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. and don't forget! Jane By Design premiers TONIGHT on ABC Family on 9/8c!

kicking this New Year off right.

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

so the new year is all about starting things a fresh. brand-new. clean slate.

thinking to refresh that google reader or pure through your bloglovin'.

and in doing that, are you in the search of new, inspiring blogs to your daily reads?

then look no further. these are a MUST for you, friend.

if you trusted me in 2011, trust me with these picks for 2012.

you will thank me.

cecilia of dearest lou.

celebrate cecilia and her recent marriage to her husband, daryl. and if you are a sucker for adorable engagement pics, you will fall in love with their session. follow Dearest Lou for their newly wed adventures, adorable outfit posts, and every day living!

visit Dearest Lou blog HERE.

kaytee of Eight.

looking for daily inspiration and a daily pick me up? you'll find it here at the adorable Eight blog written by the adorable Kaytee. follow her photography and baking adventures, her walk with God, and life with her husband and sweet puppy dog! (and are not these tire swing posts too cute for words?!)

blog / twitter / pinterest

jessi of Naptime Diaries.

you know those people that you feel like you want to be like when you grow up? yeah, jessi is that for me. her tweets and blog posts about her life with her precious family and her walk with God are personally a challenge and an inspiration to me. and want to be inspired off-line? then be sure to visit her shop for her gorgeous prints. you'll want two or three of them (ahem, like me).

shop / blog / twitter

emily of El Vintage.

looking for the best in quality and variety when it comes to vintage clothing shops? then look no further! emily's wide variety of vintage clothing, accessories and shoes offers you that very thing. and make sure to follow the El Vintage blog as Emily offers stylish inspiration and shop updates on a regularly basis!

shop / blog / twitter / facebook

katie of Party of Four.

as a personal lover of parties, i adore this blogger and her blog name?! i mean, come on - how cute is that for a proud momma of two boys and wife to her hubby?! you feel a part of her family as they share life together and as katie writes about the small but wonderful pleasure of life. and yes, you know i totally caught the fact that this woman is a lover of flavored coffee creamer, woman after my own heart.

blog / shop / facebook

moriah of Moriah Makes.

what started as a blog and twitter friendship has turned into a real life one with the beautiful Moriah! i have adored this woman to the very beginning of my blogging days, and i continue to do so every day. fall in love with Moriah's joyful and humorous spirit, her precious family, and her beautiful shop creations. you won't regret it!

blog / shop / twitter / facebook

lori of Chicgeek Designs.

another blog friendship turned real life with Lori, who i had the chance to meet up with on a a couple of coffee dates and traveled with to a blogger conference last year! she is as real and sweet in real life as she is online. take a peek into her every day happenings with her husband, fashion inspiration, and outfit posts! i also have really appreciated her big heart for life and transparency in her writings in the past year, as she's not afraid to get personal in her writings. love it!

blog / twitter

dana of wonderforest.

one of my favorite, most magical place in blogosphere is this place, Wonderforest - created by the ever oh talented and inspiring, Dana. i'm a huge fan of her hair tutorials (beach waves, baby!) and of course, love her delicate wonderforest creature creations. so perfect to line your creative work space or to make you smile when you walk into a room!

blog / shop / twitter / facebook

colleen of inspired to share.

where have you been all my life? have you ever asked yourself that when stumbling across a blog? yeah...i totally thought that when i discovered this blog. imagine a glorified pinterest, exuding in inspiration and color and life. colleen offers a daily dose of it and you will walk away more than satisfied - if you can even walk away.

blog / twitter / facebook

ashley of The Shine Project.

this explosive blog is a must read if it isn't already! get to know ashley and her big heart and passion for making a difference every day in someone's life...whether it be one person or thousands. it all starts with one small action, multiplying into many. we all have witnessed this with The Shine Project - and be sure to find out more and follow her on this incredible journey!

blog / twitter/ shop

***

so quite the line-up of awesome sweeties, don't you think?!
like i said, refresh that google reader of yours if you haven't already and be sure to add ALL of these lovelies to your daily reads. also wanna add a new year's resolution to that growing list of yours? support handmade this year! you can do that by visiting their shops and kicking this year off right!

much love.
[happy monday, friend.]

so this is how an astronaut and/or a goldfish feels.

2012-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

we spent the afternoon on the beach and felt like we were living on the moon.

getting the chance to fly and capturing it on camera through my new lens totally rocks my face off.

on the flip side, i always wondered how it looked on the other side of the fishbowl.

and my new lens answered that question for me.

so now i'm off to find nemo and see if my fisheye lens proved that true.

much love.

[happy monday, friend.]

p.s. feeling enchanted?! then be sure to enter this sweet giveaway by This Enchanted Pixie!

seester time like whoa.

2011-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

sorry i've been a little MIA these days.

first the internet and my laptop both decide to crash for me.

(guess they get tired during the holiday season, too.)

second, i've been hanging out with this pretty lady and her family.

it's been way too much fun to be hanging out with her than on the net.

so until next year, wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

here's to a rocking 2012!

much love.

[happy new year, friend.]

Jane By Design: Style Challenge #5

2011-12-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

guess what?! someone totally creamed ABC's Jane By Design Style Challenge #4 and is now here ready to head-on Style Challenge #5. say whaaaat?! you heard it - and seriously, couldn't have done it without YOU awesome people. we are just about to round the bend and i can sense the finish line is super close so thank you, thank you, dear friends! keep those pom-poms going and those voices cheering. i totally hear ya!

so here we are with challenge #5, where we are going to lend a hand to Jane, Gray's fabulous assistant. as she has informed me (and as The Devil Wears Prada has educated me), those that are employed by the fashion world live a very busy, jam-packed life. they go from meetings to social events to dinner dates back to back to back.

and those events do not call for throwing off the office attire and throwing on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. more like, how creative can you get from office wear to evening wear...?

today's challenge calls out that very question with this plain white collared shirt. i especially loved this challenge since i saw the shirt similar to that of a canvas. how do i take something plain and white and turn it into something into a work of art, a masterpiece? "how did you ever do it, ilene?" you ask? my advice is this: the key to it is LAYERING.

{day/office attire.}

using the white shirt like a base, i layered a print cropped top and a copper-toned blazer over the it. the waist-high skirt creates structure to the looser top - and a chunky, colorful necklace gives contrast and an extra punch of color. both the blazer and the black-rimmed glasses keeps things professional. shoes would stay classy, a pair of black platforms.

{night/cocktail party attire.}

the true statement piece to this outfit is that sequined black tank layered over the white tee. a fitted black blazer keeps things structured, while a hot pink mini silk skirt keeps things flirty and ready for a good time. by popping up the collar of the white tee and the blazer, you are saying it's time to let loose and have a real good time (in the words of Pitbull and Dr. Pepper).

so there you go! with a little bit of layering and pops of color, you have your ultimate day to night look for your own white t-shirt!

do you have any advice to offer Jane? she's gonna need all the help she can get as fashion season gets busy again with the brand new year! leave your day to night fashion styling tips HERE and let them know that Much Love, illy sent you! need some inspiration? Jane sent us this video for an extra ounce of help!

like i said, we are nearing the finish line - which also means, we are super close to the premiere of ABC Family's Jane by Design! and in the midst of all the crazy style challenges and holiday happenings, did i ever mention that the winner of these challenges receives a blog mention in the premiere episode?! holla! how exciting would that be?!

thanks for hanging in here with me, friends!

(we will be back to the regularly scheduled program in the new year...)

you guys rock my face off each and every day - so i can't say it enough, thank YOU!

much love.

[happy friday, friend.]

p.s. don't forget the smashing giveaway happening HERE!

sponsor love + giveaway with This Enchanted Pixie.

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

meet Polly of This Enchanted Pixie.

i'd have to say that when it comes to a certain style, i am a major fan of nearly any style in fashion! the bohemian look is one of my top favorites - and today's shop showcases you that exact style. *happy dance and clap of hands in unison* Polly, the amazing creator behind this lovelies, is way talented in her eye for color and variety as she puts together her whimsical, bohemian pieces!

{giveaway:}

and today, one of your (in classic napoleon dynamite fashion) luuuuucky Much Love, illy readers get the chance to win a whopping $25 shop credit! with that, you can lay your hands on these or this. well, that's what i would do if i won - hehe.

{how to enter:}

stop by This Enchanted Pixie and comment below on what you'd spend the shop credit on if you win!

{really, really wanna win?}

additional comments - keep in separate comments to count as individual entries

-"heart" This Enchanted Pixie via Etsy (1 entry)
-be a GFC public follower of this blog (1 entry)

- be a GFC public follower of the This Enchanted Pixie blog (1 entry)

- "like" This Enchanted Pixie's facebook page (1 entry)

- follow @pixie_polly and @muchloveilly via Twitter (1 entry)

- blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and include link in your comment!

feel free to copy/paste the following tweet:

crossing my fingers to win @pixie_polly's suh-weet giveaway over at @muchloveilly's bloggity-blog! http://tinyurl.com/7u94a75

{don't wanna wait?}

use coupon code MUCHLOVEILLY for 25% off of your entire order from This Enchanted Pixie!

Giveaway is open to ALL Much Love, illy readers thru January 3rd.

Winner will be announced on January 4th.

much love.

[happy wednesday, friend.]

p.s. are you Evanne of Simply FABulous (#104)?! welp, you just won the adorable Soaktree giveaway! shoot me an email at muchloveilly at gmail dot com to claim your prize! congrats to Evanne and thank YOU, Jihee of The Soaktree, for a fantastic giveaway!

Jane By Design: Style Challenge #4

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

granny sweater: ABC family / striped sweater: TJMaxx / jeans: Belk / Farron boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes

grandma got hit by a reindeer - and look! i got stuck with her ugly christmas sweater!

okay, not really (i actually think that song is mega tragic - i do not wish that tragedy upon any grandmother!), but Gray Chandler decided that this ugly Christmas sweater would be super fitting for ABC Family's Jane By Design Style Challenge #4, so we're gonna dive in full force with mega packed DIY post.

Challenge #4 called for us to use every single bit of creative juice in my brain, heart, and blood and come up with 2012's most fashionable trend! what did i envision as next year's biggest trend? giant sweater bow corsages!

step 1: pick out an ugly christmas sweater like so - and pick out thread and your favorite vintage buttons.

step 2: lay the sweater our flat on the floor and cut the back into long strips.

step #4: take one strip and fold in half. fold a second time so that the bottoms criss-cross. sew a small knot at it's base to keep from unfolding. make 4 of these.

step #4: lay 4 finished strips on top of each other. align them in the shape of a flower or a gift bow. sew at center.

step #5: take 2 more strips and do the same as step #4, but make the folds smaller to allow 3 folds instead of the original 2. do this twice with 2 strips.

step #6: sew second sets of finished stripes together and then sew on top of sweater flower. cut out a circle from sweater and sew on top of the center to give it a more completed look.

step #7: sew vintage button of choice over the center of the flower (on top of the previously sewn circle). cutting the beads off of the ugly Christmas sweater, i sewed them around the vintage bead to create a pearl border.

step #8: turn the sweater flower over. cut out a felt circle to cover the stitches. last but not least, glue a pin. you can cover this pin with more of the sweater material to give it a more finished, clean look.

and wah-la!

it's your very own giant sweater flower bow corsage,

which as i predict will be all the rage come year 2012!

so be sure to be on the lookout for them in your next issue of Instyle or on the red carpet 'cause i assure you, it's gonna be there! *wink*

what about you, friend?! do you have any fun, stylish DIY's to share? i'd love to see and so would the awesome folks over at ABC Family's Jane By Design! be sure to post them over HERE (JBD Facebook page) and let them know i sent ya! and if you are need for some more inspiration, be sure to check out this sweet video they sent for us!

and again, you guys seriously ROCK my face off - thank YOU for your support as i've pressed on in these crazy, fun challenges. keep those pom-poms close by and cheerleader skirts on 'cause i'm hoping to make it through a few more of these Style Challenges!

much love.

[happy tuesday, friend.]

p.s. just a couple more days left to enter The Soaktree giveaway HERE!

this is what christmas means to me, my love.

2011-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

i just woke up from the best Christmas afternoon nap, lounging around in my Hello Kitty pj's (present from my sister, Ashley) with a mug of hot chocolate and A Christmas Story playing in the background. mom and dad are drinking their cup of afternoon coffee and Ashley is relaxing on the mattress residing in the middle of our living room floor. comforters and pillows are scattered about the room from last night's Christmas eve family camp-out (a yearly tradition). and tomorrow Christmas continues with our family as my other sister and her family travel from Iowa - and we'll exchange presents, indulge in other huge family meal, and laugh more than usual.

for those of you that have read my blog for awhile now or know me in person, know that family plays a huge role in my life. i have been blessed with a tight-knit family and holidays, especially Christmas, are even more special because of these crazy awesome people in my life.

however, Christmas means even more to me and my family than the presents and the good eating and the loving family time - though those are all good things (and you know that i love all things!) - what Christmas means to me is that God sent His Son, Jesus, from heaven to be born on this earth so that He could die on a cross and then rise from the dead. he was born to die so that we could truly live. because of this, we are given the opportunity to believe in the Lord Jesus and what he did for us, so that we can have a relationship with Him - and because of this reminder during this holiday, it really does make Christmastime the most wonderful time of the year!

"...for today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11

wishing you the very merriest of Christmas, dear friend.

you are so loved.

much love.

[merry christmas, friend.]

mustache sticks are a must for every party.

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

a couple of weeks ago, my sister and i hosted a Christmas Glove Swap partaaaaay for some of her friends - and i might have to say that i had more fun that the ladies that attended. i mean, come on - mustaches, christmas lights, hot chocolate, Elf, and sweet glove swaps (you know that i have mad love for that sort of thing - right, Sandy?!)

besides the large amounts of hot chocolate inhaled and the glove swap, the photobooth was one of my favorite parts of the party! because of that, i've officially decided that a photobooth is a MUST for every party i host.

and even mom and dad couldn't help but join in the fun.

so next party i host, care to grab a 'stache and prep those tastebuds for some hot chocolate goodness?!

i expect to you there, folks.

much love.

[happy friday, friend + merry, merry christmas!]

p.s. be sure to enter The Soaktree giveaway - you don't wanna miss out!