11.19.2012

Happy Holidays

Well friends, I am ducking out early this year. I want to kick off the holiday season by spending as much time with my family and friends as possible.


I can't wait to drink big cups of hot chocolate by the fire, watch every Christmas movie on Hallmark and Lifetime, meet up with old friends coming home for the holidays, eat so much food that you just have to take a nap, make snow angels, and so much more.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons!

{image via}

11.18.2012

Bookworm

The perfect Sunday? The biggest sweater I can find, a hot cup of chai, and a pretty book by my side.
{image via}
 
In all honesty, I have gotten hooked on Sophie Kinsella and want Can You Keep a Secret? and I've Got Your Number to become movies immediately please and thank you. But beyond my little rom-com books, I have still been dreaming of the perfect coffee table collection. These three beauties are on my radar.





What have you been reading lately?

11.17.2012

Elsewhere

This week, I loved Anna's great idea for a post and all of the inspiration I found from it! Several of us created different looks based off of a pair of leather pants. Here was mine and hop on over to A Newfound Treasure to see the rest.


Sloane was also kind enough to feature me as this week's 'It Girl'! You can find some wonderful gift guides and outfit posts on her blog, Sailing the Sea of Style.

Thanks ladies!

11.14.2012

Cozy On Up

It's about that time again, at least in Wisconsin. We had our first snow flurries this week and now I'm wearing as many layers as possible. This was just the inspiration I needed to layer up while being cozy and chic.


Some of my essentials: a cowl neck sweater, a vest to maximize layering, and a neutral scarf.

Bring it on Mother Nature. 

Images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Gift Guide: For the Gadgets and Gizmos Lover




I find myself loving little gadgets and gizmos more and more and would happily accept any these, especially my personal favorites the phone dock, pop phone, and printed backup battery!

11.13.2012

Gift Guide: For the Paper Product Lover

Finally, the start to some fun gift guides! As I've mentioned earlier, I pride myself on being an early holiday shopper. Last year I was done in the summer. I can't help that when I find something perfect for a family member, friend, or the boyfriend, I snatch it up. I listen year-round and have an ongoing list so I'm not stumped come November/December. Plus, I actually prefer giving gifts and seeing his or her reaction when you find something perfect for that special someone.




Everyone could always use a little more pretty for their ongoing lists, and who doesn't love sending and/or receiving a beautiful card?

11.06.2012

OMG Shoes


Lately, I have been wearing booties and loafers more than ever before.

What are you gravitating towards this fall?

Fall Colors and Texture

{boots // flats}
 
These few pieces have been on high rotation for me this fall. I love the hues and especially the texture of the mustard jacket and metallic top. The texture and colors can stand on their own, but intermixed, I love them even more. Need to liven up some pieces in your closet? Layer, layer, layer! That grey sweater had not left my closet for far too long, and I loved how it paired with chambray. It was given a whole new life.

If you're in the Milwaukee area and need some help livening up your closet, that's what I'm here for!

{follow me on Instagram here, @carlyhaslee}


11.05.2012

Layered Dots


 


 Aldo Booties // Michael Kors Watch // David Yurman & Kate Spade Jewelry
Necklace and bag are from boutiques in Japan

My brother was home from college this weekend so we had some major family time. Board games, shopping, and lots and lots of delicious food.

As the temperature continues to drop, I am all about layering. This dotted piece may just become a new staple in my closet. It adds the perfect pretty pattern and adds some fun personality to any ensemble. The price made me love it even more {purchased with a coupon too, of course!}.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! xo

11.02.2012

Thank You

In a month filled with giving thanks, I wanted to take the time today to give a big fat thank you to all of my amazing friends, family, and readers for not only all of your love and support yesterday about my feature on The Everygirl, but for the last year as well. I started this blog in September of last year but never knew quite what I was doing until about January of 2012. Not like I knew or will ever know every little thing there is to know, but let's just say it was smoother sailing and more consistent posting from that month forward. I never imagined where this blog would take me and all the wonderful people I would meet along the way, but for that and for so much more, I am truly grateful.

Stay tuned for some fun posts lined up for next week, but as for today, cheers to you! xo

11.01.2012

The Everygirl Fashion Feature



I am so excited to be featured on The Everygirl today-hop on over to find some fall outfit inspiration here!

A big thank you to my wonderful sister for taking the pictures and to TEG team!

Eggtastic Strorage

Oh hey, November. How does each month continue to sneak up on me? The good news: we gain an hour this weekend, and I don't know about you, but I could really use another hour in my life right about now. 
{Side note: I'm still convinced I lost an hour of life from having Daylight Savings in both Ireland and the US one year. A whole 60 minutes, just gone before my eyes. Obviously I'm still not over it}.

Anyways, a new month is the perfect time to start getting a tad more organized. Why not tackle some jewelry?


This egg crate {last seen here} is still one of my favorite purchases. It's now home to more earrings and dainty necklaces and still doing its job beautifully. Not only is the tray the cheeriest of blues, but it is also functional. Place it atop your dresser or in a drawer so you have quick and easy access to your little gems.


Stay tuned for an exciting post later today!

10.31.2012

Orange You Glad?

Wishing you and yours a Happy Halloween today, but more importantly sending my love to all of those on the East Coast. Still thinking about you here in Wisconsin!

 
Love the gold accent hair pieces as much as I do? Here is the one I'm slightly completely obsessing over, and I also love this option. Such a great way to spruce up a ponytail.

{images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 }

GET THE LOOK

10.30.2012

Bada Bling, Bada Boom



One of my favorite ways to feel a little more glamorous as the cold weather approaches is to pair some of my coziest sweaters with my flashiest jewelry. You can mix and match until your heart so desires!

10.29.2012

From the Kitchen: Apple Crisp

Hope you all enjoyed your pre-Halloween weekend! Mine was filled with lots of candy and only the best movies, Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus. I have very high standards obviously. I thought this would be the perfect week to share one of my favorite fall recipes.


We got the recipe from Barthel Fruit Farm, our go-to spot for apple picking. My dad and I whipped up this bad boy last weekend, and it didn't last very long.


Preheat oven to 350. Layer sliced apples in a greased 8x8 pan and then mix remaining ingredients over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes or until toppings are golden brown.

Serve à la mode, and it is just heavenly.

10.25.2012

BaubleBar Friends and Family

Did you know that in my spare time I am a jewelry judge who specializes in pastel pieces? Yeah, no that's a lie. But today I'm making myself one, and this is no easy task, friends. Here are my top three picks. 
 

These beauties will be your best friends come winter when it's cold and dark outside, and you need a little somethin' somethin' to put a smile on your face. 

The extra great news? BaubleBar is having their Friends and Family sale! Enter BBFAMILY at checkout for 25% off your order.  They're making their budget-friendly pieces even friendlier.

So kind.

10.24.2012

The Sun Don't Set On A...


I don't know how I survived some of my first years driving without sunglasses. Not only do they highly improve safe driving {yes, I do tell myself that especially on days when the sun is just out of control and don't even get me started on the glare in the heart of the winter} but they are also one of my favorite accessories.

So, what's your preference? Black? Tortoise? Cateye? Round? 

I'm currently on a tortoise kick, and these just may be my number one pick. 

10.23.2012

Urban Outfitters: For the Home

I'll be honest, I feel like I have forgotten about Urban Outfitters and only been thinking about Anthropologie. But shame on me, because Urban has some seriously pretty and wonderfully quirky pieces for the home. Whether you're looking for some pops of color, texture, or just a piece that makes you smile, they have it.


The owl is hands-down my favorite. That yellow is beautiful.

Can you tell I'm on an animal kick?

10.22.2012

Life Lately

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Lately, I have been getting outside and enjoying fall to the fullest and baking more of these muffins. Seriously delicious. I have also been incorporating more color to my wardrobe which makes some of those chillier fall days a little more cheery.

Have you made it to a pumpkin patch yet? Indulged in some caramel apples? What else is on your fall bucket list?

Find me on Instagram here

10.19.2012

DIY Coasters

This past weekend my mom and I brought out our crafty sides that we hadn't fully embraced since she was my Girl Scouts leader, and well, that was a long time ago. She chose to use some scrapbook paper and mod podged it to the tiles and then used three coats of mod podge over the paper. I chose to use some spray paint. We both tried some acrylic paint but didn't get clean enough lines. The one paint we didn't mind was a glitter gold because we didn't notice as many areas where the lines weren't perfect thanks to the glitter.

Tile and Spray Painted Coasters, Materials Needed


I used one small strip of tape in between each strip instead of measuring anything-that sure sped up the process.
 
 

Don't spray too much paint-been there, done that, didn't work. I actually love the ombre-esque effect on this set.


This is the really important part! Take tape off right away for crisp lines!

To Finish Off The Coasters:

+ Let dry // I left them overnight just for kicks and giggles.
+ Coat with Mod Podge // I used 2 coats because I didn't want it to get too thick.
+ Cut cork into squares // My mom was a rock star with this. She cut 4x4 inch squares with the help of her handy-dandy X-ACTO knife + a ruler, of course, and I did the gluing {a skill in and of its own I tell ya}.
+ Place books on top of coasters to make sure the cork adheres to tile.

And simply enjoy your morning drink of choice: mine would be Chai Tea thank you very much.


Happy weekend, lovelies! xo

10.18.2012

Think Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would round up all things pink today. To learn more about how you can help, visit here.
Pink Pieces for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BaubleBar Necklace // Tiny Prints Holiday Card {someone PLEASE get this and send me a pretty card with your pup on it!} // J.Crew Sweater // Rugs USA Rug // Tiny Prints Return Address Label // Design Darling Matches 

How pretty is that Riffle Paper Co. designed return address label?

10.17.2012

Wedding Wednesday

Remember this wedding I shared awhile ago-one of my best friends' who happens to be Bill's cousin as well {win win for me!}. Well, I wanted to share some of the details today because she did all of the graphic design for the wedding. She truly embodied hers and her husbands personality through the colors and font choices, which I maintain is a hard task to do.  And the theme? Milwaukee's Best. So perfect and again, so them.



They named the tables based on specific Milwaukee landmarks and placed people strategically at tables that there was a story behind {and also a great talking point if the guests didn't know each other}. The escort cards were also a little DIY project-of course, Lexi designed the cards and the kooizes. Then with an x-acto knife, some glue, wooden rods, and some paper confetti, these were created.



Lexi's mom got to crafting on the mason jars. She primed and sprayed them all, and they were beautiful! I loved the mix of sizes and how each jar contained just one type of flower. Stephanie at Sendik's is just amazing. There's really no other word to describe her.
 
 


How great right? If you have any graphic design needs, let me know, and I would be more than happy to put you in touch with Lexi. She just gets it and has an amazing eye. I loved seeing all of her hard work come to life. The wedding was a truly magical day, and I could not be happier for the newlyweds!

.......

Photography by Liz Doering Photographs {and I may just have to include more next week because she and her daughter KK got so many amazing shots and not to mention are two of the nicest ladies I have ever met}

10.16.2012

Shopbop Friends and Family Picks Under $100

one | two | three | four | five | six

Shopbop's Friends and Family Sale is here! Time to start the Christmas shopping people-no really, it is not too soon! Now is the perfect time to stock up on those fall and winter pieces you have been eying because you deserve a little something too. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to treat myself, these would be my picks: this dress, this blouse, and this sweater.

I am also still having a major bootie moment. Do you have a pair you love to stomp around in?

From the Kitchen

Sweet Potatoes For Croutons

Remember this post? I'm trying! This is one of my new favorite little additions to the dinner table.  I really do love croutons, typically dipped in ranch or caesar dressing so I needed something that would still give me that crouton 'crunch' and this was my solution. Simple and delicious.

Enjoy!

10.15.2012

On Rotation

 





Gap Tee // 7FAM Denim {thanks for cleaning out your closet pre-move Kelsey} // Express Sweater {similar} // Aldo Booties // Tory Burch Sunglasses {similar} // Madison Elizabeth Designs Rings // Kate Spade Ring

This sweater has been on serious rotation since the fall weather arrived. Bill did in fact ask me if I was bringing a blanket around with me, but I really don't care. I love the surprise design and sometimes I really do wrap up in it like a blanket. As for the newest addition to my bootie collection? Well let's just say, I never wanted to take them off the day they arrived.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Mine was filled with a lot of baking, cooking, and crafting...and football of course. I'll be sure to share some of my new favorite recipes and DIY projects later this week and next! 

10.12.2012

What I Learned from the Movies


Don't know how this even popped into my head this week, but it has been stuck ever since. And yes I played it on repeat thanks to YouTube earlier this week. A nice little way to end the week.

Can I put in a request for this to be part of a mashup please?

Happy Weekend! xo

10.11.2012

Fall Favorites at Living Savvy

Today you can find me over at Tiffany's lovely blog, Living Savvy, where I find oh so much DIY inspiration! 


Here's a little sneak peek:

10.10.2012

Wednesday Wants




I am also on the hunt for another great pair of skinny jeans. I will occasionally splurge, but I am not one to pass up a pair or two from Gap and on sale. Do you have brands that you love that have stood the test of time? If I'm going to invest in something, it better last. Right? Right.

10.09.2012

Panel and Print

H&M Top // Forever 21 Leggings // Target Sweater // Aldo Heels {old but similar here} // Anthropologie Watch 
Nordstrom Necklace {old but similar here} //  Anthropologie Earrings  // Rebecca Minkoff Bag

Yes, I did make those leather panel leggings mine from awhile back. They are actually pretty nice quality for good 'ole F21 and not to mention extremely comfortable. I just can't help that I love a classic black look for fall. That being said, I told myself I was going to try to incorporate more prints and color in my closet. This H&M peplum top is becoming one of my favorite pieces in my closet- I love the mix of colors. Yes, I would like to put them on a canvas one day.

 Note to self: DIY project in the near future.