My Amazing Valentine...

A year ago I spent Valentine's Day without my husband, and was an emotional mess! 

(He was away at basic training.)

This year was very different! 

It started off a little rocky since I was struggling with a migraine and feeling sick.

An hour long soak in the bathtub, listening to romantic music, Exedrin, and some prayer fixed that and I was ready to prepare for the evening! 

My husband and I have a tradition of staying in and making dinner so we don't have to deal with the crowds on Valentine's Day.  In my opinion it is so much more romantic.

So I prepared a lovely fondue meal for the two of us as well as decorated the house!

 Then my dear wonderful husband surprised me with the most beautiful orchids!

Apparently when he had the flower lady remake the arrangement in all green (my favorite color), She asked "Are you sure you don't want something more traditional like red roses?".  He said no, my wife will like these better...and he was sooo right!  I adore orchids.

 

He did not stop there with the gifts...

He also bought me this beautiful blue topaz and diamond necklace!

Oh, and my favorite VS perfume, Very Sexy.

 All in all it was a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Now off to do all the dishes!  :(

~ Elle

Style Me Spring!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring! 
Here in Texas, spring comes early, and it is right around the corner if not happening now!

I thought I would show you a few of the Spring 2013 looks that are catching my eye:

Gucci - Spring 2013

Chad Ralph Rucci - Spring 2013

Isabel Marant - Spring 2013

Issa - Spring 2013 Ready to Wear

J. Mendel - Spring 2013 Ready to Wear 

 

 Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2013

Nicholas K - Spring 2013

And then you have Oscar de la Renta, who I could in no way choose just one favorite!

 I am so in love with this Oscar de la Renta look!

There seems to be a lot of couture ruffles, boxy oversize cuts, sheer fabric, alpha females, and eastern influence going on this Spring.  As you can see I am more into the feminine silhouettes and colors.  I have a hard time when fashion goes in an edgy, hard, or futuristic path because it is not my personal style at all.  I definitely cling to a more earthy, whimsical influence.
What are you gravitating to for the upcoming Spring?

~ Elle

My month in Instagram...

I know I've been hiding out for quite sometime now...I must apologize for that.  I believe I struggle with seasonal depression, and when the sunshine goes into hiding so do I!  

I accomplished very little in January, and was feeling very uninspired.  But I must say I feel like that has all changed this last week!

The sun finally decided to show it's lovely face, 

and with it my energy and inspiration returned!

Since I don't have a lot to show for myself in January I thought I would show my highlights through Instagram...

I hosted a mini New Year's Party for my sisters, and two close girlfriends!

 We had a blast!

 Went post-Christmas shopping with my sis & dear friend Madelyn. 

We had quite the entertaining shopping experience!

Then it was time to say goodbye to Mattie...it made me very sad.

That is when my seasonal depression set in. :(

 To try to distract myself I put my focus on redecorating my breakfast room.

I found this cute table and chair set for $300 on Craigslist!

 

 I then repainted these panels I found at a garage sale for $5!

I crocheted a new cream & gold scarf...

 ...while catching up on all 3 seasons of Downton Abbey. (LOVED!)

Then my husband surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of roses! 

 Cuddled with my Chihuahua...

Finally the sun came out the last week in January...

and so did my flowers!

 You can tell Zorro enjoyed the sunshine just as much as I did!

I attempted to try the center part on my hair for a sleek new look...

and found a beautiful sea foam green top at Old Navy!

 (I know you can't see much of it in this pic.)

So all in all I guess January wasn't that bad...I was just going through my winter blues!

Now I am already preparing my yard for Spring! 

I can't wait!

So how was you your month?

~ Elle