boom boom boom, even brighter than the moon.

WHAT A BUSY WEEK!

Granted, it's Wednesday.  But the weekend was long, and it was tiring.  My lovely mother had a birthday this weekend, and we celebrated with a New Orleans style dinner and wine party.

We got these great puzzle piece wine markers at Pier One.  They were adorable!

We spent Saturday morning and afternoon downtown, shooting my video for the 2011 Student Freedom Rides! (Fingers crossed!)  Then we had lunch at the Majestic Grille on S. Main, which is easily my new favorite spot downtown.  I recommend going for brunch or lunch.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!  The cherry on top of a fabulous weekend can be found in the picture below. That's right... The '98 Camry finally bit the dust.  With a little magic, I wrangled this gem.  It is a Jeep Commander, and I am beyond excited and obsessed with it.  I feel a little bit more grown up every time I get in the driver's seat.

So naturally, with a new car, I had to go shopping for the perfect driving outfit.  And no, it is not the one pictured above.  Due to the weather we have had the past two days, I gravitate toward the bright colors on rainy days.  Completely essential.

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I snagged the Essie nail polish in Really Red at Target.  It complements any outfit and looks amazing with my new leather interior.

We have another party coming up this Sunday, for the one and only Ozzy McDuffie.  He turns 3 years old and we just love to celebrate.  Pups and humans are invited. 

Sorry for such a random blog post, but I have literally not had a minute to spare the past few days, BUT I am back and ready to delve in to some apparel & decor sites.

Best wishes for the rest of your week, kiddies. xx B

closet canvasing: first edition

can·vass  (knvs)

v. can·vassed, can·vass·ing, can·vass·es

1. To examine carefully or discuss thoroughly; scrutinize:

If you are a Law & Order: SVU aficionado, like me, you are familiar with the above vocabulary term.  But if your Netflix queue is full of lighter, friendlier shows, allow me to explain. 

::LAW AND ORDER THEME SONG:: 

When Detectives are informed of a crime, they canvass the area to see what information they can throw together from witnesses, victims, etc.  So if one were to canvass my closet, they would see a hoard of clothes that either has (a) tags still on them or (b) only seen daylight once or twice.  Thus, I am challenging myself to bring some of the workable pieces out and pair them with new buys. THUS, creating brand new ensembles.  Here's my first trist with Closet Canvass.  Enjoy!

So I got this LBD from Ross (my dress go-to store) and I've only worn it once.  It went in the back of my closet because it hits me at a weird angle due to my height.  It's a little longer than I prefer, so I when it resurfaced (YAY!) I paired it with this belt and it shortens it just the right amount.  Once I was happy with the dress, I was able to pair it with purple tights from DOTS (also, never been opened).

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Outfit #1: The belt is literally my FAVORITE recent purchase.  It hold unlimited possibilities AND it was on clearance!  The shoes are really dressy and tres adorable.  I measure about 6'4'' in them so they are only for short parties.

Close up of the shoes from behind

 Outfit #2: So I took a little break and sat down in a dress, yeah yeah, and changed my shoes for a more comfortable look!  The Gap boyfriend cardi helps make the outfit shabby chic when combined with the leopard flats.

 Outfit #3:  Gray cardigan = more neutral.  I like tights, but only for a limited amount of time.

Outfit #4:  I got this coat three Black Fridays ago at Target.  I wore it that following winter and haven't touched it since.  It compliments the LBD perfectly and it was a hit!

Did you like my outfits? 

Try pulling one piece out of your closet and pair it with something newer, the possibilites and fun are endless.  Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend! xx

back to school, back to school, to prove to daddy i'm not a fool!

Happy Thursday y'all!  I am obsessed with this bed side table in this picture.  Also, loving the texture added by the fur throw pillow. (mentally adding it to my mental DIY list!)

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Anyway, on to the point! In celebration of my first day of back to class of the Spring semester, I created this outfit as a modified geek chic look.  I'm in love with it.  The frames will make you look smarter and I threw them in for all of my law school peeps.  Notice: I brought the Urban Outfitters oxfords back to keep it comfy.  Buuuuut, the Tory Burch backpack does add a touch of class!  It's the perfect outfit for hanging out in the library or at the coffee shop.  Enjoy!

cardi

cardi, scarf, jeans, shoes, bag, tank, glasses

Comfy and stylish--cannot beat it!

I have a few secrets that are coming soon, including a new soon-to-be annual posting theme!  I cannot wait to unveil them.  I am shooting some pics on location downtown tomorrow!  It's almost the weekend.   Any big plans? xx

wishful wednesday

We have done a little housekeeping and redecorating here at Matters of Merrymaking and I hope you like what you see.  We are definitely proud of our blossoming little flower, so continue to tell your friends and share our link on your social media outlet.

The middle of the week is a fine time to lust after items from our wish lists.  Here are a couple items I have had my eye on.

This space would be the fanciest and most enjoyable place to lounge and read a book.  The book shelves are my favorite part!  Wouldn't it be lovely?

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How cute are these Valentine's Day cards? The inside reads, ""Sizzlin' hot and completely irresistible!" 

I mean, HOW CUTE?

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I NEED these Hunter rain boots to get through all of the slush and ice left from the snow over the weekend.  And what better way to bring a pop of color in to your ensemble!?

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I love this look from one of my daily reads, cupcakesandcashmere.com, it gives a neutral outfit a pop of feminine class and color.  I'm sold.

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OOPS! How did this get in here? Oh no! Well, a girl can DREAM, can't she?

Happy Hump Day and I hope you all have a superb remainder of the week.  

snowin' in memphis

Snow is here!  We welcome the first snow of 2011 with open arms and a day of school/work.  What would a snow day be without bright colored accessories and some warm Ugg boots, with a black peacoat of course!  Hope you and yours stayed warm.  Here are some pics of our adventures.

Me and Ozzy

Our Home

Puppy Love

Brick

The Newlyweds

Barn

Lake

We had such a wonderful snow day! School resumes this week and I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and blogging more!  xoxo Bex