Me on the right, 2007

Every year during carnival season, I wonder (more than usual) why I ever left New Orleans. The city is really so different than any other place in the country. Once you fall in love, you start a life-long affair with the place. Who couldn’t love a city that shuts down for a party?

So, although it’s just another Tuesday in Fayetteville, I’m wishing everyone a happy mardi gras! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Mardi Gras 2006

what I wore: blouse – vintage via potter’s house, skirt – vintage apertif via cheap thrills, coat – my grandmother’s (seen here), tights – hue, slip – vintage, blazer & platforms – forever21, earrings – vintage via mae’s, rings – right purchased on a trip to France & left – dillards

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Ahh winter white. I thought of this outfit in my head and was pleasantly surprised when it came out just as good on my person. That does not always happen. More often than not, a collection of pieces looks far better in my mind’s eye than on my body. It’s always nice to prove yourself wrong. Anyway, I love wearing white. I think it looks good in the summer when you have a bit of a glow and it looks great in the winter because as pale as I may feel, I’m never as “white” as white. I think the black really makes it pop. On a personal note, my girlfriends and I went to see Bring It On: The Musical last night. I was completely floored! It was so good! I highly recommend it.

PS: I finally made an extra hole in the ankle strap of my platforms (with a large safety pin). It made all the difference and now I don’t feel like I will die in those shoes one day.

what I wore: skirt – vintage from NOLA, heels – quipid, blouse – bcbg, shirt – hanes, sweater – express, love knot – vintage

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This skirt was the first vintage item I purchased after I arrived in New Orleans for college. I don’t remember the name of the shop but it was uptown, pretty close to Jacques-Imo’s. The ladies working in there sad and chain-smoked while you browsed.  It will always be a favorite. The skirt is so fun with it’s high fifties waist and has a wonderful length that can be dressed way up or down. Side note: there are two different tops in these ensembles, that’s because I had a little incident with my puppy involving mud and changed at lunch.

Here they are! All my wedding pictures. I honestly can’t believe it was four months ago. It was the most incredible experience, made possible by an incredibly wonderful man and many, many precious friends and relatives. Contact me at prettypayblog@gmail if you have  questions about vendors. xo

WHAT I WORE: My earrings and bracelet were antique Mikimoto pearls borrowed from my new mother in law. My engagement ring is a family heirloom that belonged to Robert’s great-grandmother. My wedding ring was created to match by Mark Fleischner from Lauray’s in Hot Springs. Robert’s ring is also from Lauray’s. floral wreath and bridal bouquet by Flora, wedding dress by Le Spose di Gio via Kleinfeld’s, rehearsal dinner/after wedding dress was vintage Laurence Kazar via ebay, platforms – Jeffrey Campbell via Solestruck, Alterations by Anita Turzi, Makeup: Kory Simpson, Hair: Brittany Castleberry from Teazed

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EVERYTHING ELSE: my bridesmaids chose their own dresses in shades of white or cream, photography by Mallory Berry, tuxedos – Jos A. Bank, polka dot bow ties by The Tie Bar, invitations by So Inviting, Ceremony music: Quintet from the Fayetteville Jazz Collective, Reception Band: Big John Miller Band, Rentals: Eventures, Catering: Jim & Mary Cope/ Susie Stevens of Nibbles, Alcohol: Andy Plemmons from Crossover Liquor, Cake: The cake lady, Officiant – Robert Ginsburg,  Rehearsal Dinner:  Ella’s at Carnall Hall, Bridal Luncheon: Café Rue Orleans, Décor/Flowers: Susan Wright, Transportation from parking area: Jim’s Shuttle Express, Restroom Trailer: Arkansas Portable’s NW, Videographer: Abigail Jeppsen, Day of Wedding Coordinator: Tammy York of Gatsby’s Event Management

Happy 2012 from The Window Shopper!

Better late than never? Here are a few of my favorite outfits (some on the blog, some not) from 2011. Thank you all for your continued support. xo

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Find me on facebook, twitter, pinterest and bloglovin’

Here are a few of my favorites from our wedding. I’ve got a lot more to share with you after the new year! xo Payton

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My earrings and bracelet were antique Mikimoto pearls borrowed from my new mother in law. My engagement ring is a family heirloom that belonged to Robert’s great-grandmother. My wedding ring was created to match by the best jeweler in the state, Mark Fleischner from Lauray’s in Hot Springs. Robert’s ring is also from Lauray’s.

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photography by Mallory Berry, floral wreath and bridal bouquet by Flora, wedding dress by Le Spose di Gio via Kleinfeld’s, platforms – Jeffrey Campbell via Solestruck, tuxedos – Jos A. Bank, polka dot bow ties by The Tie Bar

I love wearing bold lipstick but I always get it on my teeth and I hate reapplying after one sip of a drink. One of my favorite tricks is to layer a favorite shade over a longwear. I kid you not, it lasts all day. Working for CoverGirl, I obviously tried the Outlast longwear and it works amazingly. I have looked for other drug store versions and have not been able to replicate so it really is my #1 recommendation. For Red lips, I use Outlast in Everreddy and once it dries I apply Lip Perfection in Hot.

For hot pink lips, I use Outlast in Dusty Rose and Lip Perfection in Spellbound.

Happy Wednesday. I hope these sweet nothings brighten your day, like they did mine.

Images via my pinterest: pinterest/paytonvail

The lovely Kim Noorda in Ellery resort 2011. I love her look and I think these beautiful photos do wonders for her..

Shot by Darren McDonald. Hair by Romina Manenti, Makeup by Tiina Roivainen.

via FGR

Sometimes, a little loveliness makes all the difference.

via Pinterest