Instalife Lately

blogging has been a bit of a difficulty for me lately and i hate it!  i feel like i am constantly writing things down to blog about and then never actually getting to them because of life.  and i realize it is good to live life and not be a slave to the internet, but i miss blogging.  i miss sharing things about me, things that i love and most of all i miss reading things about all of you. 

 

so in an attempt to catch up a little, here's a glimpse into my life these past few months via instagram (@lyndsylee)

 

 

a sleepy w / place setting / wedding debauchery / a lovely gift

 

a day in topanga / products to review (stay tuned!) / sweet little treat / buns all around at the whaler

 

weekends with christy!

pulled out the red lipstick finally / broken glass at brick + mortar / go cougs!

 

harvest celebration in napa / apple cider margarita / scenes from downtown l.a. / best game ever

still loving the accent nail / some tasty tequila with b

 

small wineworld in napa / a fitting sky for a tribute to an incredible guy

holy guacamole late night burrito / uggs are back / cakebread cellars is my favorite

 

i know i have said it before, and i am sure i will say it again, but i am hoping to find some more time to get back to posting and making blogging a bigger priority in my life.  here's hoping y'all are still checking in and reading it! 

 

xoxo

Carmen Marc Valvo & Christian Siriano Spring 2013 RTW Collections

with fashion week all wrapped up, i thought i would share a few more of my favorite collections. up first...

 

carmen marc valvo

 

 

i am definitely biased towards this collections as the entire collection focused in on cinched waists.  i have always been blessed with a small waist and it is my favorite feature to emphasize in my wardrobe choices. 

 

carmen marc valvo did an incredible job with all the collection from the colors, to the textures and of course the signature tie at the waist.  i think that middle white dress would make a stunning wedding gown and i am really hoping to see someone sport the far right design at the emmy's or any award show for that matter.

 

ever since he was on project runway and introduced the world to a whole new level of "fierce", christian siriano has not disappointed me once with his fashion collections.  in fact, he continues to stun and amaze me with his ingenuity and creativity.

 

let's just agree that the man knows how to create a show stopping gown.  the middle dress reminds me of a dress i would have put on my barbie growing up and i think just about any girl would love to wear for one day in their life. 

 

i especially loved this collection and his use of watercolors and lightness.  so feminine, so pretty and so perfect in every single way!  project runway definitely got it right with this talented winner!

Bridal Shower Basket

 

bridal showers are always such a fun festivity to attend.  they are full of happiness, laughter and love.  what more could you want?

 

they are also full of presents and if you are anything like me, i like to give a good, memorable present.  which is why i am sharing my latest go-to bridal shower prezzie. 

 

i like to go in with a girlfriend or two when giving a bridal present because it allows you way more options!  our last group gift consisted of a cute apron from anthropologie (with written expectations that she must prepare a meal for her hubby in it...naked), a his and her initial mug, some sort of cute shopping list, a fragrant kitchen appropriate candle (both of these smell incredible and are sure to tickle the hubby's senses), matching or coordinating pot holders, and a unique cookbook specific to cooking with love or just for two.

 

pick and choose from the items above based on your budget and throw them in a cute box with a darling card and you can be sure the bride (and her hubby) will be on cloud nine!



Instalife Lately

forever young/cw with mrs. r/aperol spritzes/gongolo at hostario del picollo/forever young friends/insane sunset

estes park wedding/night clubbing it/hanging out on the porch

all in colorado

girlies at brick + mortar/rosenthal wine tasting/colorado rockies/sunday funday in hermosa/row 14 in denver

i am really working to try and share more pictures and life events. what's been happening lately in my life!  follow me on instagram (@lyndsylee)

xoxo

What to Wear - Colorado Wedding

b and i are off to a wedding in colorado in a few weeks and i am complete stumped on what to wear. 

i figured now would be the best time to try out rent the runway since i have been dying to try it for some time now.  below are my three favorite choices, all under $75, would you be so kind to help a girl out with your opinion?

bcbg my soulmate dress - love the color, love the tulle trim and the sweetheart neckline.  but is too bridesmaid-y?

tibi's bond girl dress - love the pleated skirt and the sweetheart bodice - been eyeing this puppy for many events.  too much for a summer wedding?

shoshanna's optical bustier dress - the color is unique and i love the pattern and fit.  plus pockets never hurt anyone!  but is it a bit on the boring side?

but then i peeped over at nordies and noticed this parker strapless silk dress i've been crushing on is on sale - and i could own it and wear it again! 

the colors are my fave and i like the pattern at the bottom - fun and unique.  but is it a little too crayola crayon-y? 

i reach out to you my lovely ybb readers to help me decide what to wear to this wedding.  i am going to be meeting new friends and girlfriends and want to look spectacular.  i've been working out hard at the gym and want to show off the results i have achieved while mingling and having some fun. 

xoxo

Summer Essentials Series ~ Zucchero, Zucchero

Yahoo!  I am back from Seattle and have just enough time to unpack, wash and repack before I depart for Amsterdam on Friday.  I am so honored that the ever busy and beautiful bride to be Holly from Zucchero, Zucchero took time out of her planning to share her summer essentials with us all.  I have been reading Holly's blog for years and years now and truly feel as though she is one of my blog friends.  She has a love for the Giants, a good bloody mary and is always sharing wonderful crafts, food and finds.  Great blog, great gal, get reading!  And check out her picks below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Caudalie Lip Conditioner.  This is hands down the best lip balm out there. I recently spent too much time in the sun and my poor lips got burnt and the only lip balm that made them feel better and repair them was Caudalie! Bonus points that it's not made with any parabens or sulfates.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

I'd be lying if I said time at the beach, backyard BBQs or something along those lines. While I crave those things every summer, this year my mind is on my summer wedding! At the end of August I am hoping it's the best end of summer party ever. All of my loved ones, my new husband, with a gorgeous backdrop dancing the night away under the late August sky sounds pretty good to me.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

The Rascals - A Beautiful Morning.  An oldie, yes, but I dare you to listen to this and not smile. This is the best song that pumps me up in the morning. Listen to this when the sun is shining and you're driving to work and it will start you off right!

Thank you so much Holly for sharing your summer goods.  I am absolutely LOVING that photo of the two of you and send the happiest of wedding wishes to the both of you.  And I am so planning to listen to that song in the morning.  I just love that feeling!  Be sure to head over to Zucchero Zucchero and check out all her lovely posts and follow up on what is sure to be a picturesque wedding!

Tomorrow check back for the ladies of Miss B and Hustle!

Happy Weekend!

photo by the incredible Natalie Moser

This weekend has lots of celebrations in store! Tonight, I am off to wish my girl Ronit the best of birthday wishes on Melrose. Then of to Palos Verdes for Felicity & Shane's nuptials. I am so excited for this lovely pair to tie the knot and know it is going to be a sensational time (pictures to follow I promise).

May you all have the loveliest of weekends full of happiness and love!

XO

Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Clark

So I am totally two days late wishing Mr. & Mrs. C a happy anniversary, but that doesn't mean I mean it any less! The incredible talented couple celebrated their one year wedding anniversary this past Sunday in Palm Springs. Their wedding was romantic and intimate and full of wonderful South African traditions. The flowers were incredible, her dress amazing and all the colors had me smiling from ear to ear. Don't believe me...check out some swoon worthy pics below...

photos by the incredible talented Natalie Moser (love her!)

First sight of each other. I love Shelby's expression here!

Such a hot couple!

I DIE! So gorgeous!

The bride and her maids (all WSU alums - Go Cougs)! Love the parasols and yellow and pink details!

I just love this picture! The back of her dress, the groomsmen and bridesmaids in the back and the colors are fabulous!

Shelby used limes with guests names and different cities for place settings.

Shelby was crowned by her gorgeous Mother In Law, another South African tradition. Princess Shelby has a nice ring to it!

The gorgeous and tasty cakes that Rene (M.I.L) made. So talented!

One of my favorite moments of the night was our dear friend Coffey (now Mrs. Rina) rocking out to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing". Quite a hit on the dance floor!

All the details were just perfection. The menu and little yellow billy ball greeted us at our seats.

Instead of a guest book, we signed a surf board with our best wishes for the newlyweds.

The flowers were huge and incredible and I got to take the centerpiece home with me! Bonus!

Us girls before the ceremony (the bride asked us to wear bright colors for fun pictures)! They were married at Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe California.

Me, Mrs. R and L.Spry

The future Mrs. Clark walking down the aisle with her equally gorgeous mom.

First kiss as husband and wife! (It was a good kiss!)

Mrs. C taking it easy and relaxing at the cocktail hour.

Bride & Me

It was truly such an honor to get to attend this beautifully intimate wedding. I definitely felt the love not only between Shelby & Rich but also from all the friends and family present. These two are a match made in heaven and have combined their love for each other and passion for photography into a budding successful business - 927 Photography (named after their wedding date).

I wish the two of you lots of laughs, and love well in the years to come. You guys are beautiful!

Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Simmers!

A very happy two year anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. S (who also are expecting)! I first met Mrs. S during rush my freshman year, and even though we didn't end up in the same sorority, we reconnected down in California and have been best of friends ever since. Mrs. S met Mr. S at a BBQ and it was love at first sight. Their wedding was absolutely breathtaking and I felt so lucky to be a guest at their nuptials. Here's a sneak peek into what happened two years ago today!

all images courtesy of Mi Belle Inc

The wedding was held at the beautiful Villa Amodei in Somis, California.

Husband & Wife!

Just a little moment together *sigh*

One of my absolute favorite pictures from the day. This picture just makes me smile :)

The yummy cake was accented with orchids, as was the entire wedding.

The happy couple!

Table 8 is great! Lindsay, Mrs. R, Me and Mr. R (who shares his birthday with this joyous occasion - Happy Birthday Mr. R!)

Lots of dancing!

LA girls capturing the mandatory girl shot (5 Cougs and a Husky).

Me & Mrs. R (Miss you!)

The ladies with the bride & groom (someone forgot to tell me not to make a ridonk face).

The beautifully stunning magazine bride and me!

The site at night, just gorgeous.

Congrats again Mr. & Mrs. S! I wish you both lots of love, happiness and am so excited to see that little bundle of joy when he/she enters this world. It will be raised in a home of pure love.

XOXO