Oh So Ladylike

Feeling a little frilly and girly lately. Loving lace, flowers, cameos and anything soft, so I created a roundup of my favorites on Etsy. See all of my picks on my Oh So Ladylike treasury list here.

Inspiration Board: My Dream Bedroom

I have been thinking a lot about a bedroom makeover. Since I have been through two headboards and four duvet covers already and countless other items-none ended up working-I want to make sure I choose wisely this time! Here are some of my ideas for my bedroom.

Headboard / Dresser / Nightstand / Duvet and Sheets / Tray / Rug / Elephant Head / Antique Tin / Ampersand / Pitcher / Farmers Basket

My Current Obsession: Statement Earrings

Sometimes, just sometimes, I skip the big necklace and go for statement earrings. This happens a lot more in the summer when I have my hair up in a big bun and don't want anything on my neck. These are my favorites right now. And, you can find my own take on statement earrings, the rustic glam Presley earring in my Etsy shop here. 

Pink and Green / Jade and Gold / Turquoise and Gold / Yellow and Gold / Mint and Peach

Americana Fever

Are you liking "Americana Style" as much as I am? I am wanting everything red, white and blue, with a few anchors and seashells thrown in...ohhh nautical Americana. It is a classic look and perfectly patriotic. I love it on this patio from Cost Plus World Market (love the Ikat rug), living room and bedroom! And, with Americana on my brain and the fourth around the corner, I thought I would share some of my red, white and blue picks from my Viola Pearl Etsy store. You can find them all here.

The Traci Necklace

The Holly Friendship Braclet

The Viola Two Tote

The Anchors Away Necklace

The Viola Pillowcase

Color of the Week: Coral

Here's to a bright and cheery week ahead!

Clutch / Earrings / Sandals / Bikini / Hat / Watch 

Shoe Review: Saltwater Sandals

When I first saw Saltwater Sandals, I was sure they weren't for me. I don't have the most delicate-looking feet and feared my feet would look like Fred Flinestone's! Big.Block.Feed. Yuck! Then I started slowly seeing them on Instagram, then on one of my favorite blogs. They looked so cute on her and her. They grew on me and my fears diminished. So, I decided to try them out. I purchased gold Saltwaters online from MySaltWaterSandals.com. Shipping was fast!

I ended up going down a half size-I normally wear an 8 1/2. I called and spoke to a sales representative that said 99 percent of people size up. I guess I am in the one percent and am happy I sized down! The reason-I personally don't like to have too much room in the toe area when wearing any sandal. It is definitely a preference since it doesn't look bad-I just have a fear of tripping over them (someone *might* be clumsy).

Initially they were pretty tight on my foot but quickly seemed to show a little give. In the shoebox, they provide instructions on how to loosen them by pulling the leather outward. My first day, against my better judgement, I wore them for eight hours. I feared blisters! They weren't bad at all, although still a little snug on the top of my foot. I have heard that wearing a sock with the sandal will help, which I might try this weekend.

The bed of the sandal is flat without any cushioning, so I was surprised not to have achy feet. But most of my time was admittedly spent at a computer. And, back to the no blister thing. I usually can't wear shoes like this because the sides of my feet where the openings are seem to always be uncomfortable on me and cause blisters. But the Saltwaters are really soft on the underside like suede, and were wonderful! I wish more shoe companies would learn from this.

Overall I would recommend them. I really want red or black next. Do you own Saltwaters and if so, what color should I get next?

My New Favorite Thing: Amber Necklace

I have already written about my obsession with monograms. Well, after weeks and weeks my nameplate necklace finally arrived from Bauble Bar! It is custom made for each person, so I can't complain about the wait.

For inspiration, I love how blogger Honestly WTF styled hers in the photo below with multiple other necklaces. Since I got my nameplate necklace, I have been pairing it with my painted necklaces. I love the combo of bright and simple.

Just a Little Glitter for My Feet

I have loved these Miu Miu shoes since the first time I saw them on Instagram. Now, I could never walk in them. Unfortunately I am not one of those girls that can wear high heels. I fall down, I trip. Or I walk funny in them. Oh well.

Is it me, or does glitter just do something to you. Makes you feel a little brighter and a little cuter. I have the J Crew Lula flats (below), but will dream of walking in tall glittery heels like these!

 Silver Bow / Gold Pumps / Flats 

My Weekend On Instagram

I can't believe it is Tuesday already! These are just a few of my favorite images I shared on Instagram this weekend. It is by far my favorite application and way to use my my iPhone. Find me on Instagram by searching amberpresley.

1. Thinking back to my visit to the Cliff House in San Francisco. This "Latergram" is one of my favorite images, and remnants of Sutro Baths, which no longer stands.

2. Fruit and vegetables from Lydell's stand outside of Fredericksburg. Best.tomatos.ever.

3. A field of flowers at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

4. Lola waking up...only to have me photographing her.

5. Me, my brother Matthew and my dad. Vintage!

6. Lola standing guard on my parents deck-assuring no lizards or squirrels shall pass!

New in the Viola Pearl Etsy Store

Just in time for the fourth, I created an Americana Traci necklace with royal blue and red, leaving some stones unpainted. It is beautiful on! Also added, a mint green and blue vintage piece (left), with more...mint. Yes, I am loving mint green! Find my jewelry here.

Color of the Week: Aquamarine

When I saw this kitchen online I immediately printed it out and added it to my inspiration folder. It is gorgeous, modern and clean. On my search for more aquamarine, the color seemed to become minty to me in some cases. How pretty is aquamarine with leopard though... 

Leopard and Crops / Kitchen / Denim / Shoes / Pillow / Dress / Necklace / Frames 

Spotlight on Friendship Bracelets

Even when I was young I was a jewelry addict. I had armfuls of jelly bracelets, then I had to have twist a bead necklaces in every color. Then it was friendship bracelets. Over the past few years it has been fun to see some of those return back to popularity. And, I still LOVE friendship bracelets.

I love that they are lightweight, can be paired with anything and resist sticking to my arm in the 100 degree summer heat and humidity like my other bracelets. I created a whole line for the Viola Pearl Etsy store, adding in everything from spikes to Swarovski. I literally made every bracelet I ever wanted. Luckily, when you make your own jewelry, you can do one for me, one for the store! Thought I would share some of my favorites...

My Six Summer Essentials

I admit it...I am high maintenance when it comes to summer. There are certain products and accessories I have to have, or I might throw a toddler-esque fit. Last year we had over 30 continuous days of 100+ heat, so there is a reason-some things just make it a little easier to get through those days! These are my six summer essentials.

1.) Moroccan Oil - my hair is color-treated and Kardashian long, so if I don't want split ends or breakage I have to take care of it. Usually I shower, put this on the ends and put it in a bun for at least an hour before styling if possible.

2.) Rosebud Salve - it seems that my lips are dry year-round. I love this for just a natural glossy look.

3.) Neutrogena Sunblock - I specifically like the Ultra Sheer with an SPF of 30 or above for my face and neck. These are the areas that show the most damage the quickest!

4.) Scala Lanikai Sunhat - I am not the biggest fan of wearing a hat because it gets so hot, but last summer I bought this one to take to Aruba. It actually was a lifesaver and I have used it a lot since. I usually don't sunbathe and rarely let sun on my face, so this was helpful on those long (wonderful) days outside. I have also used it recently when reading outside. To deal with the hair issue I found that putting my hair in a low bun is the best way to go...and it usually creates decent waves.

5.) J Crew Leather Capri Sandals - I specifically like the gold leather capri sandals. I feel like I can wear these from day to night if needed, because they are more sandal and less flip flop.

6.) Garnet Hill Cotton Knit Dress - sleeveless and cotton is almost a must. I have this dress in royal blue and it is cute, while feeling like I am wearing old pajamas. Paired with my gold flats and done!

Some other summer essentials I already have written about: a cute water bottle and lightweight summer necklaces.

Do you have any summer essentials I should try and add to my list?

My Current Obsession: Naughty Betty Notepads

There is nothing a glass of wine and a flat iron can't fix.

Enough with the damn juice boxes mommy needs a cocktail. 

I totally cheat at yoga. 

Remind me to lie at therapy.

These are just a few of the fun quotes on colorful notepads and accessories from Naughty Betty. My world peace/pedicure notepad is starting to run down, so I ran across the Website and I am loving all of the options-it is almost hard to pick just one! Find notepads and more (like the cocktail napkins below) on Naughty Betty here.

Back in Stock: the Linnea Necklace

Back in the Viola Pearl Etsy store today! See the Tom Binns inspired Linnea Necklace here.

Pretty Pretty Lace

Girly and frilly, sexy and edgy. We all know that lace is a classic that can be worn year round and in many different ways-but somehow I seem to forget about it. I am loving how all of these outfits are styled-they keep the accessories somewhat simple with lace. Thinking it might be a great nighttime look in the summer.

Cream Lace Dress / Lace Pants / Cream Top / Blue Lace Dress / Peach Lace Dress

The Colors of a Watermelon

Hands down, my favorite fruit is watermelon. Unfortunately I am on a sugar-free diet and they are too high in sugar for me to eat-oh the pressure to look great in summer wear, right?! But I digress! One of the wonderful things about watermelon season is not only the fruit-but the beautiful colors of the fruit. From deep to bright reds and pale and hot pinks to various shades of greens, it is really pretty and each one is a little different.

This inspired me to find some watermelon-inspired clothing, accessories or nails-maybe this will tide me over until I can have the fruit again! Are there any fruits or fruit colors that inspire you?

Lipstick / Tank / Top / Watch / Shoes / Pillow / Flats / Bracelet / Shorts / Necklace / Dress / Headphones

Color of the Week: Lemon Yellow

I featured yellow back in February but I have seen so many beautiful pieces for the home lately I couldn't resist touching on it again. I already have my colors set in my house and am happy with them, so I am living vicariously through these photos. Loving the color as bright as the sun for a patio (like above). More more more lemon...

Lemon Walls / Lemon Pillows / Lemon Headboard / Lemon Tray / Lemon Art / Lemon Lamp