[unabashedly uncorked: your daily dose of EPH]

this dress [in my all-time favorite hue, natch] screams...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:29:39 -0400

this dress [in my all-time favorite hue, natch] screams summertime attire to me // click through for the skinny

smile Friday: the I can’t wait to do this for you edition!

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:11:18 -0400

smile Friday: the I can’t wait to do this for you edition!

some [big, exciting!] news

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:03:00 -0400

Champagne? On a Thursday evening? What in the world is the cause for this impromptu celebration you ask?

Well y’all, my baby bother did it…

last night as he and Katie were winding down after a busy Thursday, he asked her to be his wife

BHP AND KATIE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!

My eyes have been filled with tears all morning. I knew this was coming [I helped him pick out the ring!] and I knew I would be excited- but I had no idea that I would be so emotional about this. Chalk one up for being the proud big sister I guess!

A funny story: BHP announced a few years ago that he was quite dissatisfied with the notion of a modern-day engagement. He proclaimed quite loudly that he didn’t think it was fair that the girl got a ring and the guy got- well- nothing. “I want a sword when I get engaged.” he said. “And I’m not going to ask Katie until I get it.” Well, my Dad, being the prompt decision maker of the family, immediately went on eBay and ordered him an authentic Civil War sword [complete with original initials carved into the handle] and the sword has been in storage at our house ever sense; confiscated until BHP actually popped the question. Last night, he was finally able to collect his artillary [see above].

My brother and I had a rocky relationship as teenagers. I’m sure my domineering older sister mentality played a [not so] minor role in this. Once BHP went off to college we finally forged out gaps and started on the road to a new, strong brother-sister bond. Dare I say that Miss Katie has helped us become even closer and that- thankfully- our bond is stronger than ever. There were days as a teenager that I would never imagine going with my brother to help him pick out an engagement ring for his soon-to-be bride. Thankfully time and maturity have closed that chapter.

As we celebrated with them last night, I shared one piece of advice that my Mother shared with me when Blake and I got engaged:

This is such an exciting time for you both. Enjoy every single second of it. But don’t loose sight that- at the end of the day- this is and always will be about the two of you. About your relationship and your love for one another.

High-fives, jazz hands, chorus lines, and the loudest of all cheers for my sweet brother and his beautiful, blushing bride. We are ALL so over the moon for you. Now, please excuse me— for those of you that we in attendance at our wedding, you know I have some MAJOR shoes to fill in the toast category…

Here’s to happily ever after.

Super random - but I saw your post about the Tulip dress from Asos and started perusing their their site. I've never heard of (nor bought) from them before. I know you're the guru of fashion - have you had good luck with purchases from them in the past?

Thu, 31 May 2012 14:18:00 -0400

Not random at all! I have ordered from Asos a handful of times [as have many of my fellow bloggers] and I’ve only had great experiences. Of course- I’ve heard a few people say that “oversold” a few items [meaning that they didn’t take off the web once sold out and then weren’t able to fill customer orders] but that’s the extent of the reviews I have to offer. Overall- I would say that they are a solid operation.

Anyone else have Asos feedback to share with Anon?

oxo- EWPH

chicken and brie sandwich with roasted cherry tomatoes: recipe...

Thu, 31 May 2012 12:04:02 -0400

chicken and brie sandwich with roasted cherry tomatoes: recipe here | via eatallthethings; foodopia

filed under: things I wish I had in my lunchbox but [sadly] do not

I don’t care if I own one too many littleblack...

Thu, 31 May 2012 10:15:00 -0400

I don’t care if I own one too many littleblack dresses…

[ is that even possible btw? ]

this [Asos tulip dress] one can’t be resisted.

oh la la

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:03:34 -0400

I’m [more than] moderately obsessed with this [not so modestly priced] ensemble.

Alexander Wang leather high-waisted shorts // Missoni Charlotta cardigan // Miu Miu cotton + silk tie sleeveless top // Jimmy Choo Porto wedges [I prefer them in gold]

image via

gpoyw: a very overdue shot from our Charleston trip edition frock: Dress- Raleigh // necklace:...

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:36:19 -0400

gpoyw: a very overdue shot from our Charleston trip edition

frock: Dress- Raleigh // necklace: anthro [recreate with this spiked necklace] // champagne: Gruet // bracelet stack: Yurman, Tiffany’s [a similar style], vintage, Kate Spade

Which reminds me: remember that time I found this knock-out red maxi dress for under $50? For those interested, it has arrived in purple and- for you non-Triangle residents- it can be ordered via telephone.

this concludes your fashion inspired PSA // photo credit to my husb

[a few words] on life

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:42:00 -0400

When you’ve given it your all…

you’ve chased your rainbows, dug deep for courage, battled the demons [mental and physical] that accompany you on your journey, fought back tears of unfairness, weighted out each and every new option to be sure the path you choose is the right one.

When you’ve done all this- but it still isn’t enough.

What comes next? When is it okay to throw in the proverbial towel? When is it okay to know that your life will not look like what you planned all along? When your 7-year-old visions were sketched out before you in a Mead notebook and thoughts of “adult-ness” looked more glamorous than the mortgage payments you’re tied to these days.

Life is sweet for certain- but all together unpredictable. This year [more than ever] I’ve learned that- regardless of my desire to- I can’t control most aspects of my little world. That sometimes, I have to sit back and enjoy the ride, learn that each experience [no matter how trying] is worth the lesson, and that it’s never “the end” unless you allow it to be.

Life; topsy-tervy, unexpected, emotional, sometimes unraveling…

and yet sheerly brilliant all the same.

sweet, salty, & spicy watermelon salad

Tue, 29 May 2012 13:58:00 -0400

There are few things that I love more than a crisp, fresh salad and a ripe piece of fruit on a hot [read: humid] summer afternoon. A refreshing combination of both of those? To me- that really can’t be beat.

[well, aside from scoring a fabulous pair of designer heels on major markdown but that’s totally off topic now isn’t it…]

This sweet, salty and spicy summer salad has now been added to our grilling rotation [ie- throw protein on the grill and call it dinner] for the season.

Sweet, Salty & Spicy Watermelon Salad

The players:

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 jalapeño or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint
1 small seedless watermelon
1 small cantaloupe
2 English cucumbers
1 jicama
2 mangoes

The play-by-play:
1.Combine lime juice and next 5 ingredients.

2. Place red onion, cilantro, and mint in a large bowl. Dice watermelon and cantaloupe into 1-inch pieces; add to bowl. Peel and dice cucumbers, jicama, and mangoes; add to bowl. Stir in lime juice mixture. Cover and chill 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Happy eats, y’all!

[recipe and photo via]

I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of dangerously-pointy pumps for work. This pair brings...

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:33:57 -0400

I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of dangerously-pointy pumps for work. This pair brings it on multiple levels: the toe is fierce and the nude part of the shoe makes my [pixie-short] legs look like they are about 5-miles long.

seriously

Ivanka Trump Gurdia black and nude pumps // If I keep this up, I might find myself [and my well-stocked shoe closet] sleeping in the back yard!

a few [of my] summer staples to help you start your season off...

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:58:00 -0400

a few [of my] summer staples to help you start your season off in style:

Kenneth Jay Lane jade necklace // Parker long cami dress // Havianas slim flip-flops // Warbly Parker Everett sunnies // Bobbi Brown shimmer brick [in bronze]

"It’s a healing. A real healing… forgiveness."

Sun, 27 May 2012 11:05:03 -0400

“

It’s a healing. A real healing…

forgiveness.

”

- Louis Zamperini

The 16 Best Wines for Less than $15

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:25:09 -0400

The 16 Best Wines for Less than $15:

Because as we made an emergency wine run to the grocery store last night, Blake announced “I think we consume enough wine every year to supply a calvalry”.

#truestory

[via a few tumblr beauties]

A perfect add-on for my ever growing bangle stack or a delicate piece to wear with a more dainty,...

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:58:00 -0400

A perfect add-on for my ever growing bangle stack or a delicate piece to wear with a more dainty, refined outfit…

either way, I’m on board with this Asos skinny cross bracelet.

[note: at less than $11, consider this my steal of the week]

smile Friday: shots from the mirror edition High-fives, jazz...

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:11:00 -0400

smile Friday: shots from the mirror edition

High-fives, jazz hands, chorus lines, and high-kicks for a long weekend ahead!!!

[can y’all tell I’m excited?]

Between the weekend meals I’m planning in my head and the excitement for seeing my Momma today (albeit too briefly), it will be a wonder of epic proportions if I get anything accomplished at [my half day of] work today…

but I have on fabulous shoes and it’s Friday— so really that’s all that matters.

black ruffled frock: Joie (another Dress find) // pumps: Joan + David (get your own pair here) // bracelet stack: usual suspects

note to self: please discover a new, less creepy way to hold your iPhone while snapping pictures #goodlordelizabeth

"I’ve learned that if I carry ill-will towards anyone or anything, in the end, it ends up..."

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:54:00 -0400

“I’ve learned that if I carry ill-will towards anyone or anything, in the end, it ends up hurting only me.”

- Brian Banks // the high school football star [falsely] acused of rape 10 years ago has since been cleared of all charges // a powerful reminder to why “letting go” can be a beautiful thing

Hi Elizabeth! Random question, but do you wear sleeveless tops to work often? I love your style & mirror pics! I have a ton of dressier tanks but can never figure out how to wear them in a work-appropriate way. While this no doubt has to do with specific companies/industries, I'm curious nonetheless! Cheers xo

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:17:00 -0400

Hey lady! A random question for the [self proclaimed] Queen of Random. Fitting if I must say so myself…

Okay- so moving on to tank tops. I’m [somewhat shamefully] a one trick pony when it comes to my office ensembles. I don’t know if I just lack creativity when dressing in the morning or if it’s because I’m chronically running 10 minutes behind schedule but 98.75% of the time, I’m rocking a dress during working hours.

The other < 2% of the time, it’s either Friday and I’m in jeans and a frilly top or I’m wearing a high-waisted skirt and form fitting tee. I’m a real dud, y’all.

But a few ways for you to wear your tanks to work- I can help with that!

One of my favorite ways to wear a tank is with black pencil-thin skinnies and a fitted blazer (plus chunky jewelry- obvi). That way you still look structured and professional but can ditch the jacket for after hours cocktails.

This ASOS Peplum jacket would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

My other favorite are a great pair wide-leg trousers paired with dressy tank-tops. It’s even more chic if you can tuck the tail of the shirt into your pants for a polished look. Throw on a necklace or two if you’re feeling daring. And- if the tank isn’t too low cut- you can even replace the trousers with colorful pencil skirt. Only- please don’t make the skirt too tight… or too short… or one of those tacky Herve Leger bandage skirts that aren’t flattering on anyone…

[I think you get the point]

A great rule of thumb is to keep a spare cardigan at your desk in case you ever fall into questioning your “outfit office appropriateness” category.

oxo

welcome to the family, kids Joan & David Quella // Joan...

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:57:00 -0400

welcome to the family, kids

Joan & David Quella // Joan & David Darly // the best part- I scored both 40% off at Nordstrom

New shoes = hell yes it’s a good day!

Sale Alert: the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale started...

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:10:00 -0400

Sale Alert: the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale started today…

aka the day I hope Blake doesn’t start reading my blog to see what will be arriving on our door-step.

DvF Karin Printed Shirtdress // 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Shell & Silk Leopard Skirt // Jessica Simpson Button Detail Dress //DvF Zia Platform Sandal // Alice + Olivia Addison Silk Halter Dress

**addendum: plus, earn 5% cash-back through ebates [thanks, K]