The One Where I Danced Around Main Street

dress: simply be // wedges: Nine West //

necklace: groupdealz // dancing partner: not pictured

I had some requests for outfit details from yesterday's catchup post. I am always happy to oblige, yet when I found all of these gems snapped on my iPhone from a friend... I couldn't keep them hidden. Who am I to withhold behind the scenes gold like this?!

 

Okay, yeah, sorry mom.

 

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#GoldenGlobes Loves & Hates

I didn't watch the Golden Globe awards because I was far too busy prepping and anxiously awaiting my Downton Abbey tea party. However, between securing lumps of sugar and delicious finger sandwiches, I was checking Twitter (@missbekah) to keep up with the looks on the red carpet. Thanks so much to those who were so perfectly covering the event in 140 characters or less.

Let's start with the ones I LOVED, because that's the most fun...
Favorites:
I am not playing favorites, but I do love her and this dress so she wins first place.
1. Michelle Dockery
I wasn't sure about it at first, but this turned out to be my second favorite gown. I just can't hate it.
2. Julianne Hough

Middle Ground (Most Improved) :
I think T Swift really stepped up her game. I loved seeing her dressed like an adult for once. Way to go!
3. Taylor Swift

Loathed:
Hey girl, what WERE you thinking? It looks like something I would have hated from Limited Too in '96. Ick.
4. Sienna Miller
While I like the premise and general idea of this one, it just gets confusing from the waist down.
5. Kerry Washington


From the coverage I read, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were beyond hilarious and I am so proud. Girl power! What do you think of my favorites and not-so-favorites? Do you agree? Who did you think had the best look of the night?

Poles and Polls

 {gray top: jcpenny | gingham button up: target | jeans: old navy rockstar | boots: nine west | purse: alice & olivia | earrings, rings: silpada | watch: michael kors}

Happy November, my little chickens!

It feels so good to be back and in action! I hope most of you have been following along as I get back in the swing of things over the next few days.  Clearing the merrymaking cobwebs, if you will!

Fall is very much here in Memphis, and I am breaking out all of my sweaters and layering essentials!  I have my colored tights at the ready, and my army of boots shined and prepped!

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Today is technically my Friday, as we are having a four day weekend at school! I have a good friend coming in to town, a precious little boy's 3rd birthday to celebrate, and a Sunday Funday planned with my girls!  Oh, and if you can't see the sticker in the pictures above, I early voted today! Feels good to do my civic duty, and my sister and I had a little too much fun in the line for the polls.  Let's just say there was a Beyonce parody and a man playing golf.

That's all you will get out of me.

All about DOTS

If you have been a reader of Matters of Merrymaking for any length of time, you know that trends and affordability go hand in hand when it comes to my daily style.  I frequent stores that sell pieces that are very on-trend and stores that sell more investment-type pieces.  One of my FAVORITE places to shop in Memphis, is DOTS.  See some of my all time favorites from Dots: these pants, the infamous purse, and my favorite shirt! It is kind of like Forever 21 in the aspect that it sells trendy pieces to a younger crowd, along with fun accessories and shoes.  Most items stay under $25!
DOTS contacted me to let me know they were opening TWO new stores in Memphis and I was thrilled!  They invited me to take a tour of a new store and check out some of the new pieces for Summer!I walked in and was blown away.  Divided by color and trend, the store makes it easy to find all that you need to add to your wardrobe for the summer months! And yes, I came home with some neon pink shorts!

I talked to the store manager (Hi, Olga!) about all of the amazing clothes and she kept coming back to the SPICY colors that are taking over the scene.  Also, the amazing amount of tribal prints and lace really stood out to me.  I can definitely get behind these trends for many seasons to come. 

 Crazy print, bright colors? That dress definitely came home with me.

Check out their website and see if you have a DOTS in your area, and go check them out.  You will not regret adding some trendy FUN pieces to your closet this summer.Thanks for having me DOTS! I had so much fun and we all know I will be back soon!XOXO, the merrymaker.



psThe eShakti giveaway ends tomorrow night at 12PM CST. Enter before it is too late, chickens!All opinions and photos shared are my own.  I was not compensated for this post, I am just a super fan.