Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

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Lex What Wear – Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2013

1. A Diptyque candle is an ah-mazing gift, especially for mom! Despite how wonderful it smells, it lasts forever, and spreads it’s joy throughout the home.

2. What deserving mom doesn’t love the sound of this: a fun, monogrammed bag for the pool, beach, or summer outing? Top off this gift with a perfect pair of sunnies, and you’re going to have one happy lady on your hands. There’s just something about a summery-gift that makes a gal smile.

3. Don’t just give her jewelry this year, give her something with trend power! This season’s blooming floral print is knocking the socks off most women, and your mom deserves to be in style too. Shop around for the right color and the right size, but you’ll be sure to find adorable earrings, bracelets, and statement necklaces galore.

4. Fabulous moms love scarves… at least I know my fabulous mom does! A bright, summer scarf is the perfect small gift this season. It’s a must-have accessory, and your mom can style it with nearly anything in her closet. Try Old Navy or Forever 21!

5. With summer sun right around the corner, we all need to be in the market for an everyday hat! Your special lady deserves one, or even two… she can pack her adorable, summer hat anywhere and she’ll get a lot of use out of it. Go for a beach style hat or even a straw fedora with a colorful band.

6. Every holiday, we gift my mom a Pandora charm. It’s a gift she’ll always remember, and keep close to her heart. Recently,  I found this Mother’s Day bracelet by Pandora and it’s simply stunning. You can always go for the Mother’s Day charm instead, too!

7. Feeling creative and crafty? Go for a fun DIY project or simply make her breakfast in bed. She does so much for everyone else, so let her kick back and relax. Make her something to keep or something to eat!

8. What’s better than a good read? I love this Coco Chanel book for the mommas because it still inspires women of all ages to look good and feel good in their bodies. I recommend finding mom a book that’s influential/inspirational this Mother’s Day!

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Don’t miss today’s DISCOVER PIQUE blog post… Here’s a sneak #PIQUE

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“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25

Don’t forget to enter the Discover Pique Mother’s Day Giveaway on Facebook for a chance to win a 3-month Pique membership for you and your mom!

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Kentucky Derby 139!

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What I’m Wearing: Satya Twena Fascinator, Forever 21 Dress, Lia Sophia Jewelry, DSW Wedges.

Kentucky Derby 139 may have been much different from my last 24 Derby Day celebrations, but we threw one heck of a Kentucky-themed party in NYC. I was not willing to throw this shindig without a proper Derby attire, hat and all. I chose a simple black and floral sundress with a bold red lip and nude wedges for my look and it was all pulled together with my custom veil-fascinator.

My outfit wasn’t the only display of Kentucky Derby tradition. From the homemade mini-hotbrowns, to country ham biscuits, to mini derby pies, my roommate and I brought our Old Kentucky Home to the Big Apple in style. We even had a full bar with signature bourbon drinks and delicious mint juleps. Most of our guests were trying these Kentucky traditions for the first time and I’d say Kentucky left a lasting impression on all.

Hopefully everyone back home and all around the world celebrated just as we did. In fact, I know a few Lex What Wear readers had a great Derby party this past Saturday, and I am so excited to share Kama’s pictures. Thank you so much for reading every morning Kama, and for sending these great pics of you and your friends. You all look gorgeous!  

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Kama & Ann looking fabulous is their chilly-Derby Day ensembles. Love the printed dresses!

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Courtney & Kama posing in their fabulous hats/fascinator! 

You can be seen on Lex What Wear too! Shoot me an email with the looks you’ve styled: alex@lexwhatwear.com!

 

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Derby Days: The Shoes!

SHOES. SHOES. SHOES. Welcome to day #3 of Derby Days on LWW. We’ve already discussed this year’s hottest dresses and biggest hats, so the next big “to-do” on our pre-Derby list has got to be finding the perfect shoe.

Lex What Wear Disclaimer (the longest one ever): Now ladies… I know shoes make us stand a bit taller, feel a bit thinner, and walk a little bit sexier, but please for goodness sake consider comfort before you select your Derby shoe. You HAVE to remember that Derby day involves lots of walking, big crowds, a few (or too many) adult beverages, and the party lasts all night long. You do not want to be “that girl” walking barefoot at the end of the night with one shoe missing and one shoe stuffed into your purse. #JUSTSAYIN

Considering my long disclaimer above, I’m here to help guide you last-minute shoppers in the right shoe direction. I’m calling on DSW for a little help with this one, and sharing a few of my 10 favorite shoe options for the Derby goers and party hoppers.

1. CL by Laundry Total Thrill Wedge Sandal $39.95

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2. Franco Sarto Sulu Patent Pump $49.95

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3. Tommy Hilfiger Hazel Wedge Sandal $59.95

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4. Gomax Calantha Sandal Pump $44.95

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5. Qupid Potion Pump $39.95

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6. Audrey Brooke Amber Wedge $49.95

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7. Michael Antonia Geisa Wedge $44.95

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8. Bandolino FillUp Wedge Sandal $69.95

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9. Levity Ginny Sandal $59.95

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10. Kelly & Katie Jackie O Sandal $34.95

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PS - Don’t forget to “TALK DERBY TO ME”!! Send me your pics from your Derby celebration so I can share on Lex What Wear. Email me: alex@lexwhatwear.com

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Derby Days: The Hat

Today we’re kicking off day #2 of Derby Days on LWW and we’re talking about the single, most important piece to the Derby wardrobe puzzle. You know what I’m talking about… THE HAT! Whether you’re a fascinator girl or a traditional hat girl, the rule for “how to wear” stays the same: GO BIG OR GOR HOME.

If you’re a little late in the game and still need the perfect hat for your dress, do NOT worry. Today I want to take a chance to encourage all of my KY folks to shop local. I’ve found 3 amazing Kentucky designers that you should definitely try before hitting the department stores. Information for each designer is listed below with their photographs.

KENZIE KAPP — SHOP NOW!

Kenzie Kapp of Louisville, KY launched Kenzie Kapp, LLC. in 2008 and has been turning heads ever since. No really, her stuff is GORGEOUS! A customized-hat designed by Kenzie will be sure to enhance  any look for a special occasion, like the Derby.

FASHION AT THE RACES — SHOP NOW!

I met the fabulous faces behind Fashion at the Races this time last year, and they haven’t stopped amazing me since with their eye for style. Their one-stop-site has it all when it comes to the world of racing and Derby fashion. This year you can shop several, fabulous designs from a number of talented milliners (Amuse being one of them).

HEADCANDI — SHOP NOW!

Founded in 2003 by designer Britni Lynn Knable, hEADcANDi specializes in hand crafted fashion forward hats, fascinators, and accessories for the races. I found Britni through a fashion blog I read daily (Atlantic Pacific). Her designs are simply stunning, affordable, and one-of-a-kind. I highly recommend Britni for your Derby and wedding accessories. 

 PS - Don’t forget to “TALK DERBY TO ME”!! Send me your pics from your Derby celebration so I can share on Lex What Wear. Email me: alex@lexwhatwear.com

Derby Days: The Dress

Want to hit the fashion-trifecta this weekend at the Kentucky Derby? Then follow closely this week on LWW, because I’ll be covering it all: the dress, the hat, the shoes, and the jewels that will have you finishing first.

Headed to the track? Hitting the coolest parties? Placing bets at home? No matter where you plan to watch, you gotta do the Derby in style. Since this will be my very first derby away from home (KY) you better believe I’ll be showing New York how we do horse racing, fabulous dresses, and big hats!

Don’t forget to “TALK DERBY TO ME”!! Send me your pics from your Derby celebration so I can share on Lex What Wear. Email me: alex@lexwhatwear.com

**All dresses below can be found at Nordstrom — under $200! Selected by Lex What Wear for:  fit, color, fabric and cost.

Coachella Classics

COACHELLA: It’s about GOOD music and looking GOOD!

Coachella is not only one of North America’s best-run and largest summer festivals, it’s also an overwhelming mash up of culture, youth, and impeccable fashion. It’s become a must-see parade of unique, rocker meets chic style from sun up to sun down on the Coachella fairgrounds.

Although I am uber-jealous of all that have gotten to attend this amazing festival, I’ve spent the last few hours catching up on all the style-hits (and a few misses) on and off the Coachella stage. But who cares? This festival welcomes it all: high-waisted shorts, embellished bra tops, rocker rompers, killer neons, tattoos everywhere, skin baring tops, head to toe fringe, and vulgar graphic tees (trust me, the list goes on…) Even the boys are bringing the heat this festival with well-planned weekend outfits and accessories like never before.

If I had to say my favorite Coachella trend of 2013… it would have to be the originality. The festival go-fers BROUGHT IT this year, and I couldn’t help but write up a summary and show a few of my must-see looks. I love the gals who rocked America tees, and cutoff shorts! I also am obsessed with the more chic-summer looks with sun hats and maxi dresses.

So here we go… photo credit goes to PopSugar & LA Times!!

Need Your Votes!

ONE MORE DAY! GO VOTE –> HERE!

Okay everyone, April 9th is tomorrow and Lex What Wear needs your votes! I need to be in the TOP 5 by tomorrow night and we can do this. The other bloggers are in a last-minute push as well, so I encourage each of you to take one second and GO VOTE!

No matter the outcome, I want to say THANK YOU to each and every single one of you who has voted, shared the votes, and supported me throughout this entire thing. I was honored to participate, and I am honored to have the encouragement from my Ole KY Home!!

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

The Street Scene

BEFORE YOU READ, PLEASE TAKE A SECOND TO VOTE –> HERE!

PS – You still have until midnight to enter the Lex What Wear + Gigglosophy Giveaway!

Nothing is more authentic than street style…

I’ve had several questions about street style and what it really is from my readers. So I wanted to share with all the madness behind the popular and evolving world of street style.

Street style is the ultimate fashion inspiration at its very core. Transformation is the norm in the fashion world, but this phenomenon has begun to challenge and redefine the dictatorship of high fashion. We’re not just looking to the runways anymore… we’re watching what happens outside of the runways more often than not! For many people, street style is not just an art, it’s a sport!

One of my daily reads is WHO WHAT WEAR (Like the name, ay?) and I always click on their “Street Style” page before anything else. Why? Because street style is a “real” approach to style. WHO WHAT WEAR sums up street style perfectly, “Fashionable women in their real-life looks,” it’s real girls and real fashion.

Lex What Wear often looks to the styles of the streets of NYC for inspiration and style influence and it’s for this reason. After observing Fashion Week for numerous years, I realized how fast street styles are impacting the way we dress and think before getting dressed. Because of street style, anything goes! Literally this behavior allows for us to embrace our real style and show it freely.

Why should you all care? Well that’s the point. Be open to new forms of fashion, new ways to wear materials and embrace the return of styles you threw in the trash back in the 90s. It’s important to put style on the streets of Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, etc. People see and people do. #StreetStyle

Weekend Recap: NYC Easter

Before you read - GO VOTE!!

It’s finally April 1 aka APRIL FOOL’S DAY… so go play a nice but funny prank on someone ya love!! 

On this Monday am I’m very much still coming down from a weekend high of great weather and even BETTER company. Most of you know I got to spend the weekend with my gorgeous and fabulous Mom. Our mission was to have an amazing mother/daughter girls’ weekend and enjoy Easter in NYC fashion.

And we did just that! From hours spent shopping to great NYC exploring and dining, you could say our short four days together were a total blast. It was an honor to introduce her to so many unique places I’ve found around the city and I had one of those “ah-ha” moments when I realized that I actually knew where I was going! Plus, she got to meet a few good friends who have been supporting me along the way in the Big Apple.

In total Terri fashion, we even made a few new friends and talked them into voting for Lex What Wear. She is definitely my blog agent by default, but thank you Mom for spending the weekend with me and for reminding me how truly blessed I am. And I guess I should also thank you for supporting me so much that  you checked your Facebook every hour to see who voted and who hadn’t. You’re ah-maz-ing! 

 

The Friday 5: What’s Trending

Before you read, go VOTE for LEX WHAT WEAR today & everyday until 4/9! Click HERE!

Is it just me or does it feel like this week has been absolute BANANAS?!? The week has flown by and it has been filled with so many exciting, fun, crazy things that I just now realized today is actually Friday. So happy #TGIF everyone!

Besides being 100 percent on overload this week, I have been dying to share my TOP 5 trending things that have happened. I wish one of these things was the fashionably late arrival of the spring season, but it seems Mother Nature has still not made up her mind…

So for now the Friday 5 is pop-culture/fashion inspired. Can I just say Adam Levine, spring cleaning sales, and overalls all in one sentence? Yep, it’s happening. Who’s ready to get their Friday on? Let’s do this! 

1. It’s a SALE, Say What?

Yes folks, the beloved Bauble Bar is hosting a rather large spring cleaning sale and there’s still a lot to be had! The prices are good and the jewelry is even better. Never heard of Bauble Bar? Just click the link and do yourself a favor. Get to shopping while the you still can & help them clean out their fabulous jewelry archives!

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2. Yes, Overalls!

Some may say NO, but a lot of people are saying HECK YES! Designers have re-invented the 90′s trend and overalls are pretty much everywhere. I can even remember when I was 11 I had my very first khaki overall outfit from Old Navy. (I always wore it with my tech-vest, duh!) Street styles from London, LA, and New York are showing us how to wear the trend for today. The overall is now coming in all kinds of fabrication, colors, and it fits just right. Need more, look HERE!

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3. Return of… THE VOICE

No there’s not a lot of fashion happening here, but I had to talk about the return of the VOICE if I was discussing trending topics. Good gosh I love Adam, Blake, Usher, and even Shakira isn’t too bad to look at. #GirlCrush. But Back to Adam… I mean the VOICE. This is going to be a super-talented, super-fun season. I can’t wait to see what’s in store! Watch more of the premier HERE.

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4. Easter Candy Cute

Tis’ the season for Peeps & more! Easter’s pastels are sweet, soft and always pretty. This feminine color pallet is the center of attention this season and this upcoming Easter Holiday. How can you wear the trend? It’s easy to do and affordable for all. Start with buying one pastel piece. Don’t go overboard with this craze, but do know the trend is here to stay until temps get cold again!

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5. The BADDEST Earring Ever

It can be subtle or it can be BOLD like this choice (see pic below). It’s safe to say the 90′s are having a major moment. Like the overalls, fashion statements from our yesteryears are popping up on fashion blogs everywhere. I spotted this statement jewelry on The Zoe Report this week, and kinda-sorta fell in love! Like many, I’m not sure I can pull this off, so I am going to start with the most basic of pieces when it comes to ear candy. But if you choose to go BOLD… tweet me @LexWhatWear because I want to see!!

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