The Haute Hydrangea

fashion / home / beauty / life

LBD for Desk to Date

Dress: Leith, sold out, great options here, here & here // Scarf: Sole Society, love this & this // Sandals: Steve Madden, love these too // Bangle: Rebecca Minkoff // Apple Watch // Bag: Michael Kors, less expensive option here

Dress: Leith, sold out, great options here, here & here // Scarf: Sole Society, love this & this // Sandals: Steve Madden, love these too // Bangle: Rebecca Minkoff // Apple Watch // Bag: Michael Kors, less expensive option here

Ok, first things first – I have a confession to make.  We took these photos on my iPhone yesterday evening because someone (insert monkey covering her eyes emoji here) left her camera on when she put it away in its nice little bag last weekend & didn’t realize it until we were already at the shoot location.  #bloggerfail.  Luckily we were in magic hour & they turned out pretty dang good anyway, in small part thanks to my fab photographer Erica!  Sometimes in life, you just gotta roll with it & make it work Tim Gunn style!

Every gal needs a little black dress in her closet that can take her from the work day to a night out.  You want something comfortable enough to wear all day, but chic enough to transition to the evening.  I love how versatile this Leith dolman sleeve dress is.  I picked it up during last summer’s Nordstrom sale, so it’s not available anymore, but I’ve linked up some really similar options.  I wore it yesterday for a full day of work, after work meeting, and then dinner out.  A simple dotted scarf & black sandals easily completed the look!  I hope that everyone has a great Mardi Gras weekend!  We’re off for a quick, much needed, weekend getaway!

Fuchsia Mini for Spring

Sweater: BP // Skirt: Noir via Le Tote, similar here & here // Booties: Charles David, sold out but similar here, here, & here, plus pump option here // Necklace: Ava via Le Tote, similar here // Earrings: Kate Spade, no longer available but almost identical here & similar here

Sweater: BP // Skirt: Noir via Le Tote, similar here & here // Booties: Charles David, sold out but similar here, here, & here, plus pump option here // Necklace: Ava via Le Tote, similar here // Earrings: Kate Spade, no longer available but almost identical here & similar here

Hello friends!  I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  We had the Krewe of Centaur parade on Saturday, so that occupied most of our weekend.  We always have a huge party on the parade route that lasts most of the day.  The weather could not have been better, we had plenty of good friends & good food, & caught tons of fun throws!

I got this cute pink mini in my last Tote & immediately fell in love, of course.  The pink/fuschia color was perfect for the transitional weather we’ve been having.  I absolutely loved the silver zipper detail on the classic A-line shape.  I wore the skirt several times, usually paired with a black sweater & booties.  It would also be cute with a tank & cardigan, or white button down in even warmer weather.  I’ve linked up some similar pink skirt options & may have to snag one for myself!

Nordstrom Winter Sale

Happy Saturday y’all!  The Nordstrom Winter Sale is going on now through February 26 & I wanted to quickly share some of my top picks for spring before I head off to the first parade of the Mardi Gras season here. (follow on snapchat – gardner.amyc for all of the fun!)  So, without further ado, here they are!

Adelyn Rae Strappy Back Layered Dress // BP Cotton Canvas Anorak // BP Stone Fringe Pendant Necklace // Bobeau Off the Shoulder Dress // BP Dotted Stripe Scarf // Vince Camuto Mindie Ghillie Sandal // Louise et Cie Jael Crossbody Bag // Kate Spade iPhone Case // Lush Surplice Tee // Caslon Stripe Moto Jacket // Lush Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic // Pleione Off the Shoulder Blouse

The 5 Must-Haves: Fall/Winter

Last week I participated in an Instagram challenge with some amazing blogger gals, hosted by Lindsay & Tarilyn.  We were challenged to show our top 5 must-haves for fall & winter.  Check out #the5musthaves for lots of inspiration & everyone’s list!  I shared my top 5 over the course of the week on Instagram, but I also wanted to list them in one place for easy reference.  I know, I know, it’s almost springtime (it’s been in the 70’s here until today).  But, it’s also a great time to get fall & winter items on sale, so stock up on these wardrobe essentials for next year!  I’ve rounded up my top 5 below & linked up tons of great options for each.

1. Over-the-Knee Boots

Every gal needs an over-the-knee boot in a neutral color.  I wear mine like crazy all winter.  They work with jeans & a sweater for a more casual look, or leather leggings for a more edgy look.  They’re perfect with a mini skirt for a sexy date night.  I prefer mine with a bit of a heel, but I prefer most of my shoes with a heel, lol.  I’m hoping to snag a pair in taupe on sale soon & stash them away for next fall!

2. Neutral Sweater Dress

This dress was actually a full post last week.  Quite simply, a sweater dress will never go out of style.  There’s a reason that it appears, year after year, season after season.  I wear it with tights & heels for work, with over-the-knee boots for date night, or layered with a jacket & heels for a girls dinner – it’s one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe.

3. White Button-Down

A white cotton button is always a classic.  It works on its own with dark denim or you can layer it under any spring & summer look to extend a sleeveless top into fall & winter.  I spent a long time struggling to find the perfect white button down.  I wanted a crisp shirt with just the right amount of tailoring & stretch.  You know what I mean, just a little fitted but not too tight, no strained buttons in the chest (aren’t those the worst?), & a length that will stay tucked in.  Enter Ann Taylor’s Perfect Shirt!  Seriously, I need it in black now, too.

4. Blanket Scarf

A blanket scarf is one of the most versatile pieces in my fall/winter wardrobe.  It’s the perfect accessory to add to any sweater or dress, or layer under a jacket.  I’m a bit of an addict & am developing quite the collection.  They’re a great way to add a pop of color & a bit of interest.  Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune to change up your look, I found so many great scarves at Target this year & they are on sale now for $10!  I love wrapping one around my neck to keep warm on the way to work, then cozying up with it around my shoulders at my desk!  It’s like a meat locker in my office, so it’s not surprising to find me bundled up at the computer during the day.

5. Dark Denim

Whether classic or distressed, skinny or bootcut, a great pair of dark denim will take you from the earliest days of fall to the coldest days of winter.  I tend toward skinny denim because of my height, but I’m looking to try some bootcut or flares this spring – #staytuned.  AG is my favorite brand, but Articles of Society, Topshop, & Express all have great denim options.  I love the polished look of a darker wash for casual Friday’s at the office or a dressier date night.

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Valentine’s Day Inspiration

Dress: Leith // Heels: Steve Madden // Earrings: Kendra Scott, also here // Necklace: Kendra Scott, also here // Clutch: Gigi New York

Dress: Leith // Heels: Steve Madden // Earrings: Kendra Scott, also here // Necklace: Kendra Scott, also here // Clutch: Gigi New York

Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s!) is right around the corner! I’m starting my weekend tomorrow with a girl’s dinner with one of my besties.  She recently moved back to town, so I’m enjoying getting to spend some quality girl-time with her!  Patrick & I are going to celebrate Valentine’s a little early this year with a dinner out on Saturday night.  I have the prettiest red & black lace ML Monique Lhuillier dress coming from Rent the Runway, & Patrick is surprising me with our dinner plans.  I love using Rent the Runway for Valentine’s day & my birthday (really just about any excuse), it makes the night feel just a little more special when you’re in a gorgeous new dress!

It’s no secret that pink is my favorite color, so Valentine’s day is just another excuse to don the color head-to-toe.  This racerback dress is one of my favorites & I also have it in black.  It’s the perfect spring/summer dress.  I wear it with a cardigan or jacket for work, then on its own for after work drinks.  It’s such a simple dress, but so easy to jazz up with fun accessories, like these Kendra Scott earrings & necklace.  I know that all over pink isn’t for everyone, so a classic LBD with some pink or red accents (think bag, jewelry, shoes) is another great option!  Many of the dresses I’ve linked below come in several colors if pink isn’t for you.  I’m really loving this one!

Sweater Dressing

Dress: Cotton Emporium, sold out, similar here, here, & here // Boots: Chinese Laundry, old, similar here & here // Scarf: old, similar here & here // Bag: Louis Vuitton, less expensive option here // Earrings: Perry Street for Rocksbox, similar here & here

Dress: Cotton Emporium, sold out, similar here, here, & here // Boots: Chinese Laundry, old, similar here & here // Scarf: old, similar here & here // Bag: Louis Vuitton, less expensive option here // Earrings: Perry Street for Rocksbox, similar here & here

Has everyone recovered from the Super Bowl?  I’ll be honest, I don’t pay much attention to pro football.  I just watch for the commercials & the half-time show, but what a half-time show that was!  Lady Gaga was amazing!  The rest of my weekend was spent with friends & family.  We had our traditional dinner date with my parents on Friday night, then got together with friends for the first crawfish of the season on Saturday night.  It’s a little early for crawfish, but it’s been so warm that I couldn’t resist!  It’s supposed to be almost 80 degrees today, so I’m also trying to resist breaking out the spring dresses & sandals this week.  We’ll see how long I last, lol.

We shot this dress a few weeks ago when it was significantly colder out & I thought that today would be the perfect day to share it since I’m participating in an Instagram challenge this week.  I’ve teamed up with a group of amazing blogger gals to share our 5 fall/winter wardrobe essentials (I’ll recap my 5 here next week) & a sweater dress is definitely on my list.  I’ve mentioned before that I don’t wear turtlenecks because I can’t stand to have anything that feels tight around my neck (#nochokertrendforme), so this cowl neck is perfect for me.  It gives the look & warmth of a turtleneck, without feeling like I’m choking.  I used to resist mixing black & tan, but I’ve become more open to the color combo this year, as evidenced by this pairing.  A black scarf & over the knee boots are actually pretty chic paired with a tan sweater dress!

Seein’ Red

Sweater: Free People, in red here, also love this // Jeans: AG, less expensive option here // Boots: Steve Madden, similar here // Bag: Kate Spade, similar here & here // Necklaces: Gorjana, similar here, & Jennifer Zeuner, sold out but love this & this

Sweater: Free People, in red here, also love this // Jeans: AG, less expensive option here // Boots: Steve Madden, similar here // Bag: Kate Spade, similar here & here // Necklaces: Gorjana, similar here, & Jennifer Zeuner, sold out but love this & this

Ok, so I haven’t met my goal of posting at least twice a week yet this year.  But y’all, it’s been a crazy busy few weeks!  I’m in the midst of planning my Krewe’s Mardi Gras Bal (stay tuned for details on that) & I’m off to Baton Rouge this weekend for advisor training for my sorority.  I plan to be home in time on Sunday for a reception at an art gallery where a friend is showing some paintings.

I apologize for the brightness of the pictures & my squinty eyes.  We shot these in the middle of the day & I was facing into the sun for most of them, but I just had to share this cheery red sweater!  It was a post-Christmas splurge & has quickly become one of my favorites.  It’s so easy to throw on & goes with just about anything.  I’ve been wearing it with black pants for work, then pairing it with jeans or leggings on the weekends.  It’s such a cute, easy look.  I got these gray over-the-knee boots last year – they are perfect dupes for the pricey Stuart Weitzman ones.  I like that they tie at the back so they aren’t as likely to slip down my legs & the heel isn’t too high for everyday wear.

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Sequin Skirt

Sweater: BP // Skirt: NY & Co, similar here & here // Boots: Chinese Laundry, similar here, here & here // Earrings: Bauble Bar, love these & these // Clutch: Ted Baker, similar here & here // Flamingo Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner, love this elephant! // Pave Bar Necklace: Gorjana

Sweater: BP // Skirt: NY & Co, similar here & here // Boots: Chinese Laundry, similar here, here & here // Earrings: Bauble Bar, love these & these // Clutch: Ted Baker, similar here & here // Flamingo Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner, love this elephant! // Pave Bar Necklace: Gorjana

Hello all!  I hope that everyone is having a great 2017 so far!  I didn’t get quite as much done over the holiday as I needed to, so I’m still playing catch up.  Rather than rush through goal-setting this year, I decided to take my time & really think through where I want to focus my energy & how I want to grow this blog.  It’s also the beginning of the Mardi Gras season & I am co-chairing my Krewe’s Grand Bal again this year, so it’s shaping up to be a busy January!

I originally picked up this sequin skirt for New Year’s Eve, but think it’s going to be a perfect date night piece too.  I especially love that the front is all sparkle, but the back is a comfy-to-sit on, stretch fabric.  The best part?  It’s on sale for under $20 right now!  This black sweater, from Nordstom’s BP line, has been one of my go-to sweaters for our surprisingly warm winter so far.  Finally, can we just talk about these earrings?  They were on my Christmas Gift Guide for Her & someone took the hint!  Patrick got them for me & I am obsessed!  Pink, sparkly, & tassels – what’s not to love?

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The Zoe Report: Box of Style

By now, almost everyone has heard of The Zoe Report’s Box of Style. Every season, it delivers over $400 of exclusive Rachel Zoe picks for only $99!  I started receiving the Box of Style this past fall & was immediately hooked!  The soft, color-blocked poncho was a game-changer.  And let’s get real – if Rachel Zoe says that something is a must-have, then you have to have it.  Plus, it’s a chance to get pieces that can’t be found anywhere else.  In case you’re undecided, I thought that I would share what was in the Winter 2016 box.  Click here to get $10 off your first box!

Everything comes packaged in a chic box.  Usually, the box is black, but I like that they changed it up for winter.  Each item is individually wrapped in tissue paper, so you the excitement of unwrapping each little gift!  It’s the small things in life, lol.  Included in each box is a guide with tips on how to use each item.

Dylanlex Zoey Custom Necklace ($200)

How gorgeous is this crystal necklace?!?  I tend to lean toward more delicate jewelry, but I cannot resist this statement maker.  The length is adjustable so you can wear it as a choker or more of a collar.  I wore it recently with jeans & a white button down for some instant glam!  I’ll also be pairing it with a cocktail dress later this week.   The necklace was designed exclusively for the Box of Style, so you can’t get it anywhere else!

Soia & Kyo Olivia Cable Knit Hat ($50)

We don’t get many days where it’s cold enough to need a warm beanie, but this soft knit one will come in handy when it does!  Subscribers got the choice of three colors – black, winter white, or burgundy.  I went with the winter white because it’ll go with just about everything in my closet.

Sunday Riley Tidal Enzyme Brightening Water Cream ($65)

Winter weather can be so harsh on your skin.  My skin is more dry & breaks out more during the winter, so I’m always on the lookout for something to give my skin a little TLC.  I was excited to see this cream included in the winter box.  It’s a water-based cream that will soothe & hydrate the dryest skin.  It also helps fight wrinkles & brighten dark spots.  You can layer it on for a deep hydration mask at home, or wear a thin layer under makeup during the day to protect skin.  I love how light it is & it smells sooo refreshing!

D.L. & Co The Zoe Report “Birch” Custom Candle ($50)

I am a candle-hoarder.  Seriously, I can’t walk out of Bath & Body Works without a new scent.  This black & gold candle is perfect for a winter night, with a woodsy “birch” scent.  Right now, it ‘s sitting on the desk in my home office, ready for me to buckle down & do some work!  I was really impressed by the quality of the candle, it holds a ton of scent & the jar is heavy glass.  Once I’m down with the candle, the jar will make a great holder for makeup brushes!

Dagne Dover Leather Card Case ($50)

Does anyone else have trouble finding a wallet small enough to fit into a clutch?  I have so many cute, tiny bags that I love to carry out, but I end up just tossing my ID & cards into the clutch & hoping that I don’t lose anything.  This card case holds just the essentials – ID, credit card, some cash – & fits perfectly into my smallest bag!  I carried it several times over the break to keep everything together & organized while out & about.  When you aren’t using it as a mini-wallet, it’s a chic alternative to a business card holder.

Clinique Lip Color + Primer in Berry Pop ($18)

A deep berry lip is a great winter alternative to the classic red lip.  I’d been looking for the perfect color & it turned up on my doorstep!  This formula has a built-in primer to make the lipstick go on smooth & last for hours.  Anything that combines steps is a lifesaver in my book.  The berry color is universally flattering & is saturated to stay true as it goes on.   The color + primer also comes in 15 other shades, so I may have found my go-to formula.

Juciy Couture Viva La Juicy Fragrance (bonus!)

As a bonus, each box contained a trial size of Viva La Juicy, a fresh & fun fragrance.  It blends berries, vanilla, & jasmine for a floral, fruity scent that will be amazing for spring!

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