obligato

I got a new job! Yay! It's at a small boutique in town by the name of obligato.

weird word right? what's it mean you ask? in short, it means something not to be left out; indispensable, and when it comes to fashion I like to think of it as meaning that one piece you just can't seem to live without. and that's exactly the kind of statement pieces that obligato carries. I'm surrounded by beautiful new friends like Joie, Parker, Diana Warner, Jennifer Zeuner, Chan Luu, and Alice + Olivia just to name a few. I think I'm going to get to know them pretty well during my time at obligato. and I can't wait.

I guess you could say this past week was my first official start on the job, and my first big task was/is a lofty one. June 27th obligato will be hosting a Diana Warner trunk show complete with a photo shoot by a big name NYC fashion photographer, and I'm in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly. Throughout the day we'll be munching on cupcakes from a local Knoxville company, NattyEm's, and any and all customers are welcome to come to this event! the more the merrier! So if you're located in/around knoxville, please join us! (it's a wednesday!) what better way to break up your week than with a little shopping?

PS- if you watch the bachelor, yes, that is Kacie B in these pictures, and YES she will be joining us!

it's time

it's time. it's time to officially get back into the blogsphere, because I have missed it so. you know how so often it's easy to get caught rushing through life? meaning you forget to slow down, take a deep breath, and focus on your passion? that's how I've felt for the past few months, but now I'm ready to get back to it. I kept using excuses... oh! my camera lens broke! (which, it did.) oh! I don't have the latest edition of photoshop! (which I don't.), but now I've just decided to start it up the old school way- through writing. that's how I first feel in love with blogging in the first place, so I think that's where I'll start once again...

new beginnings

{j.crew top, dvf leather vest, ae skinnies, target flats, essie "turquoise & caicos" polish}

inspiration: springtime colors in wintertime weather

{rebecca minkoff MAC mini, scarves from francesca's collections}

here's to new beginnings! as my senior year is coming to a close and light is being shed on new opportunities, I've decided to get back into the swing of things in the blogsphere. I haven't shown it any love recently, and in turn I've felt like I'm missing what was once a big part of my life. where have I been recently you ask? more to come on that later. guess you'll just have to keep reading! so here's to getting back to it and making time for the things you love the most... whatever they may be!!  cheers y'all.

Green with Happiness

I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to the month of March. One, because I'll be swimming in the caribbean waters very shortly (I'm going to Miami next Friday for a few days then off on a cruise to the Bahamas). Two, because it means Spring is upon us and all of the fashion magazines are about twice as thick. Three, because it's my birthday month!! So many exciting things in store. Oh, and that's including YOU too! I'm hosting my first giveaway... stay tuned. You won't want to miss it. Trust me. So in order to pay tribute to the lovely month of March, I put together some of my favorite green things, and well, because St. Patrick's day will be here before we know it! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

1. Proenza Schouler PS1 Mini Crossbody Pouch $1,225

2. Oscar de la Renta Cabochon Ring $180

3. Ralph Lauren Round Sunglasses $375

4. Nixon The Time Teller Green Watch $59.95

5. ModCloth You're So Clover Dress $184.99

6. Miu Miu Polk-dot silk crepe de Chine scarf $245

7. Diana Warner Drop Earrings

8. Tory Burch Classic Reva Ballet Flat $195

Technicolor Trousers

Why, oh, whyyy is Zara not available online?

Another reason I'm looking forward to summer (apart from the warm weather) is that I'll be within walking distance of multiple Zara's.

photo credit: Zara Spring lookbook 2011 via Honestly... WTF?

Academy Award Winning Gowns

I don't know about you, but I had an absolutely delightful time watching the Oscar's last night. The hosts may not have been on their "A" game, and the Social Network didn't win Best Picture, but I enjoyed my time with friends discussing everything from red carpet dresses to my love for Jesse Eisenberg (a little weird, I know) to "What the heck is 127 Hours?" Handfuls of M&M's, homemade popcorn, and a personal favorite, chips and salsa, were all involved. I also still need to see Black Swan... But anyway, here are my picks for best dressed of the night.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab couture with beautiful detailing and intricate draping positively wins Best Dressed in my book.

 

What can I say? I'm a sucker for sparkle, and this picture does Mandy Moore's Monique Lhuillier gown no justice. Simple and shimmering, with a pop of coral on the lips. Winner.

 

I was all for sweet little Hailee Steinfeld winning Best Supporting Actress, and while she unfortunately didn't get it, she sure did wow us in this darling blush Marchesa dress. I'm expecting big things from this doll in the future! Definitely not her last Oscar appearance.

 

The combination and transition of textures and colors in this Gucci piece is really something worth noting. Loved seeing a Spring trend (feathers!) on the red carpet. You rocked it beautifully Hilary.

 

Given a chance to wear a floor length gown, nine times out of ten, I'd probably choose a full skirt like the one on Camilla Alves' Kaufman Franco gown.

 

I just love Gwyneth Paltrow. Loved her on Glee. Country Strong. At the Grammy's with Cee-Lo. So of course I picked her song winning (didn't happen). Not many women could pull off this cascading Calvin Klein Collection metallic gown, but it seemed to be made for her.

 

And finally we have Cate Blanchett. I have to admit, my first impression of this dress was not a good one. It was just weird. But as I looked closer, it began to grow on me. It's more of a piece of art work than a red carpet gown, and for that reason I've grown to love it. The complex detailing of crystals and pearls on this Givenchy Haute Couture dress absolutely won me over.

 

What do you think? I'd love to know your favorites! Oh, and if you haven't seen The Social Network- Rent it. Buy it. Borrow it - today. Just do what you have to do.

photo credit: elle.com

Candy Coated

These lightweight trenches are sure to make the transition from Winter to Spring a smooth one. We've got those "awkward" Spring months ahead of us, when it's too chilly to leave the house without a coat, but too warm to bare it all. This is where the Spring trench comes in! And available in every color of the rainbow at that. Throw it on over practically anything and you've transformed your look from drab to fab in a split second. Remember that scene in 13 Going on 30 when she dashes out of her apartment in nothing more than a lingerie slip -BUT- grabs her coat at the last second, making you question if she had just planned that all along? No? Just me? Well check it out here to jog your memory. Anyway, my point is that the coat changed her entire outfit. Wouldn't you want one to do the same? Have a lovely weekend!

1. Rebecca Short Trench Coat $35

2. Moschino Cheap and Chic Double-breasted Cotton Trench $895 $268.50 (sale)

3. Modcloth Tell the Charteuse Coat $57.99

4. Modcloth In Perfect Accordian Coat $119.99

5. Topshop Navy Smudged Spot Printed Trench Coat $180

6. Topshop Stone Double Storm Flap Trench $180

7. Boden Green Trench Coat

8. Modcloth Find the Gold Lining Coat $69.99 $20.99 (sale)

9. Burberry Cotton Blend Trench Coat $1,095

P.S. Sweet Tea and Champagne is officially on Facebook! If you like what you see here, be sure to become a fan! I'll be updating it with extra photos, must-have finds that may have slipped my mind before (or after posts), and anything else really. It's also a great way to stay in touch with YOU! Comments, suggestions, FAQ- anything is more than welcome. Just click here!