what I wore: hat – italy vendor, blouse – thrifted, tube – target, shorts – old navy, sunglasses – asos, earrings/cuff – forever 21, rings – urban outfitters, beaded bracelet – a gift, lips – covergirl lip perfection in fairytale

I have always loved to dress on theme, whether on the high or low end of the spectrum. Some of my favorite occasions to dress for include music festivals, fairs and of course, the river. We went to the Mulberry this past weekend and I dressed for the occasion!

Today I’m leaving for a long weekend in Washington, DC. My bestie lives there and we are going to eat, shop and see live music. It’s always fun to pack for a weekend getaway but also a little nerve wracking because of the contributing factors. Will the weather be as forecast? Should I only carry on? Do I need clothes for rain? Will I be walking a lot? Which bag/s? I always lean toward over packing. There are inevitably several items I pack and don’t use. I’m a dress person, so I’m planning to wear pants & a blazer to travel, then bring my dresses.

Here are a couple of packing guides that I found helpful…

Sources: how to pack, packing light, packing checklist, how to pack 2, how to pack 3

what I wore: dress – vintage from cheap thrills, heels – jessica simpson via dillards, earrings – a gift, ring – an adolescent purchase in france

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I fell hard for this sweet little dress. I have to tell you that I love the fact that it’s 100% polyester. It’s perfect for spring and washable/dryable!

I have the day off today and it is glorious! I hope your weekend is filled with loveliness.

images from pinterest, xo

It’s my opinion that there can never be too many kisses, touches or moments spent with the one you love.

photos via my pinterest

what I wore: dress – vintage parade from cheap thrills, necklace – 30s vintage (a present from my hubby) found @ mae’s, platforms – go jane *please excuse the (clean) laundry in the background…it was late

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Last night I went to the Shop Local night of the inaugural Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week. I have to say, I was really impressed and am now so excited about Friday night when some of my favorite boutiques will be showing. Obviously we don’t have as many designers as a big city would, so the shows are all philanthropic and benefit local charities. I’m really proud of the great work that went into making this event happen and I can’t wait to see how it takes off!

The two beauties in the picture have blogs as well! Check out http://lovecity.tumblr.com/ and http://renegadegarden.com/

what I wore: knit/heels – forever 21, skirt – ann taylor, jewelry – vintage

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Basic animal print knit, basic black skirt and basic black heels. I love all three of these items and I felt cool in this outfit. Leopard & Black is such an easy combo which also feels current. It always inspires me to go heavy on the black eyeliner. The exposed zipper on the skirt (which I cleverly tried to showcase) makes it a little more than just a basic. Looking back, the skirt/heel combo had a bit of a weird Christina-Aguilera-Legs thing going on. That could just be because of the strange circumstances in which I find myself taking photos (read – need a photographer).

If you’re going to put a lot of effort into looking fabulous. You MUST look fabulous whilst walking. Ya feel me? Some examples…

via my pinterest

xo Payton

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

Thank heaven it’s the weekend again! These images are cultivated on my pinterest. I’d love it if you’d follow me there: http://pinterest.com/paytonvail/.