Category: Style - Brittney Guest Designer & Illustrator

Gotta Put On Your Party Dress

11/19/2017

Have you ever dreamed that you could build your perfect dress? Pick everything from the fabric, color, sleeves, length and details like pockets, bows and embellishments? And in addition to all the fun stuff, it also fits you perfectly? Well, you can! Meet eShakti, your new fashion friend!

When eShakti contacted me about finding my perfect party dress as part of their "Look As Good As You Feel, Feel As Good As You Look" promotion, I was eager to try it out. I quickly fell in love with the Quincy dress in this lovely Seafoam color, but I knew I could make it more "me!" I got rid of the sleeves, turned the neckline into a scoop, and shortened it to above the knee. I of course kept the pockets! I also customized the fit of the dress to work with my measurements. According to their size chart, I'm a size 6 on top and 2 in the hips. My waist measurement; however, isn't even found on the smallest size of their scale. Yep, I definitely needed a custom size! And it fits like a glove. The dress even comes with a bow-adorned belt made to my specifications.

outfit details: customized Quincy dress in Seafoam c/o eShakti
necklace by Eclectic Eccentricity from Modcloth, shoes by Gianni Bini from Dillard's
photos by Courtney Guest

Thanks so much, eShakti, for my amazing new dress! It fits perfectly, and I can't wait to show it off at all my holiday events! I'm so glad that I had the opportunity customize this already gorgeous dress into an even more amazing one to fit my figure and my style!

Now if you would excuse me, my fabulous new dress and I have a party to find!

Important note: I was provided this dress free of charge from eShakti for trying their custom clothing service and posting about my experience with them on the Britt Wit Blog. All thoughts are my own, and I always work with brands that I'd purchase for myself and recommend to my closest friends. If a company provides me an item to feature on my site, I'll always let you know with a little "c/o" in the outfit details! All other items are from my personal closet!

Isn't It Too Hallow-dreamy?

10/31/2017

"I'm Audrey Horne, and I get what I want."

This year, I decided to dress as everyone's favorite troublemaker, teen spy and activist...Twin Peaks' Audrey Horne!

The character of Audrey started out as your typical spoiled little rich girl. Daddy's money buys her all the cool clothes and status she could want in her high school...though she seems to not actually have any friends. She spends her time smoking in the girls' room and trying to derail multi-million dollar business deals with the Norwegians...you know, the usual spoiled rich teen fare.

It's not until the arrival of a certain special agent, that we discover that Audrey's bad girl image has been just that...an image... the entire time. Deep down she's got a heart of gold, she's passionate about the environment, concerned about her community, and she's lonely...very lonely. Without getting too spoilery, I'll just say that I love the growth of her character from a self-absorbed girl to a young woman willing to put it all on the line for the causes and people she's passionate about.

Now that we know Audrey is more than her red lipstick, trendy sweaters, plaid skirts and saddle shoes (or red heels if she's feeling fancy)...let's talk about my Audrey-inspired outfit!

photos by Courtney Guest

I bought this sweater from ModCloth last fall, and I absolutely love wearing it with everything from skirts to jeans.

When Modcloth released their 2017 namesake label pieces, I quickly bought this plaid skirt. It's the perfect skirt for swishing around dreamily to your theme song playing forlornly from a jukebox.

Then I saw these saddle shoes... I had the full intention of just wearing them for this costume, so I bought them at 40% off. They're so cute, I plan on working them into my non-Halloween wardrobe.

Add a little red lipstick and a dramatic eye makeup look...

Et Voila! You're Audrey Horne,

and you'll get what you want! ;)

photo and illustration by Brittney Guest

Happy Halloween, y'all!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

9/24/2017

Hi, everyone! Long time, no see! I took a bit of a summer break from the blog to recharge and do a few things that I enjoy. Wanna know what I did on my summer break? Well, I'll tell ya! It'll be like those vacation slide shows, but way cooler!

I ran. A LOT! I'm running another half marathon this Saturday, so I got a lot of miles in this summer. I'm going to miss those late night summer sunsets. Time to adjust to an autumnal running schedule!

Each year, I try to outdo my own creative abilities to create the most awesome Readers' Choice cover. This year, I spray painted a pineapple gold, dabbed on some colorful paint, and photographed it in my driveway. 400 plus photos later, I had more than enough perfect shots. It was so hard to choose, but everyone loved the final pick!

I ate a lot of waffles, reaching my goal of eating at The Parsonage every weekend this summer.

I picked blueberries from the berry bushes my Papaw planted more than 30 years ago at the Mississippi home where my mom and her siblings grew up. They're more like trees than bushes now!

I had a wonderful birthday! Here's to another great year!

We found a field of sunflowers!

That solar eclipse was pretty awesome! In 7 years, Jonesboro is going to be in the path of totality and we're gonna be so ready!

I'm going to miss you, summer. You were great, but I'm so looking forward to fall!

Shop Like A Local: Hive

5/10/2017

It's no secret that I love fashion. I love any excuse to dress up and pride myself on having the perfect outfit for every occasion. Picnic in the park? Check. Thanksgiving photo shoot at a duck lodge? Got it!

I love shopping online as much as the next girl, okay maybe a bit more, but sometimes you just want to go right into a brick and mortar store, run your fingers through the racks, and try on a few things.

I'm a big believer in supporting the businesses that make your local community great. When you buy from a local retailer, you're not lining the pockets of some distant CEO, you're helping a family in your neighborhood buy their weekly groceries, pay for their child's dance lessons, purchase school supplies. The sales tax collected also goes to help better your local community. I don't know about you, but I'm a fan of traffic control!

My town of Jonesboro is home to many great local boutiques that carry everything from classic styles to super trendy gifts. The latest boutique in town (and my current fave) is Hive.

photo by Brittney Guest for Jonesboro Occasions magazine

This adorable boutique, located at 2810 Highland Drive, puts a vintage twist on modern looks. Women of all ages and sizes can find adorable and affordable looks in this cute shop. The inventory is constantly changing, (They've recently added graphic tees!) and you're sure to always find something you just have to have. I know that's been my case!

photo by Brittney Guest for Jonesboro Occasions magazine

I recently combed the racks of Hive with my best friend and designated shopping partner, Kerri, and we found so many new treasures to add to our wardrobes. Wanna see what I got? Okay, let's check it out!

photo and illustration by Brittney Guest

I just love this soft floral tee! It's casual and just dressy enough that I feel comfy yet put together!

illustration and photo by Brittney Guest • outfit photo by Courtney Guest

Isn't this maxi dress just absolutely dreamy? I wore it for Easter Sunday, and it was so comfy, but still dressy enough for our festivities.

illustration and photo by Brittney Guest • outfit photos by Courtney Guest

And y'all. I bought a romper. And I don't look like a toddler! It's a little low cut, so I bought a raspberry colored bralette from the boutique as well while I was there. Hive seriously has everything, y'all. I think I need a night out in Memphis or something to properly showcase this!

Hope you local honeys decide to fly in to Hive soon to see what the buzz is all about! If you're not in Jonesboro you can shop their Facebook page. And you're in luck...during the month of May, Hive is offering free shipping for anything you order! How cool is that?

Ready For My Close Up with Amy Long Photos

3/14/2017

We're still loving this pretty pretty princess dress, yes? Okay, good!

How amazing are these photos? I started beaming when I saw how Jonesboro photographer, Amy Long. captured my Charity Ball look! Amy is awesome. She captures the natural beauty in every person with her lens and makes sure that everyone simply shines! She makes ya look good!

And I just love working with her each month, creating eye-catching photos for Jonesboro Occasions. I can't wait until everyone sees what we're working on for this year's Spring & Summer Fashion Showcase! I promise it's going to be fabulously colorful and make you wish for warmer temperatures, so you can wear all the cool styles featured!

In the meantime, check out this look at my Charity Ball dresses through the years! I decided to pay tribute to my #thesketchbooklookbook project and showcase my Amy Long photos on my beloved ModCloth dresses! Which one is your favorite?

Follow Amy Long Photography on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all her fun adventures and upcoming projects. And be sure to check out her website at amylongphotography.com!

Tell her Brittney and Derek sent ya! ;)

The Season Of Love

2/13/2017

I love Valentine's Day. There. I said it.

I love hearts, glitter, pink and red, tulle and lace, flowers and everything girly. And this time of year gives me the perfect excuse to break out all my favorites. Like this adorable shift dress I recently got from Modcloth!

photos by Courtney Guest

outfit details: Just Say Yes Shift Dress, earrings and shoes from Modcloth

Isn't this collar too cute?

Admittedly, I probably own every heart adorned item that Modcloth has ever sold and my closet currently is home to six different red dresses. Did I NEED another red dress with a heart on it? No. Did I BUY another red dress with a heart on it? The collar speaks for itself!

photo and illustration by Brittney Guest

In celebration of this season of love, I'm giving y'all a special gift from my heart to yours, inspired by vintage Barbie Valentine cards. Remember those?

Print 'em out, clip 'em out and give 'em out to everyone on your list from your sweet baboo to your squad of fabulous land mermaids! I've even included single images if you want to send an e-card or post it on your special someone's social media feed!

Click here to download:
Bae Mine
Check Yes or No
Emoji Love
Love Is For Everyone
You're Neat
Another Pizza My Heart

Click here to download a printable PDF of all 6 designs!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Share the love!

I Am Very Busy. For Real!

1/30/2017

It's press deadline at the magazine, and I am repping my everyday motto.

photo by Courtney Guest
outfit details: I Am Very Busy t-shirt from Ban.do | blazer, skirt and shoes from Modcloth, earrings from Noonday Collection

Seriously. I am very busy. This phrase speaks so much to me that I have it on my agenda, a wall poster, 2 pen pouches AND my work folio. Obsessed much? No, just busy.

How busy am I? Well, here are just a few of the things I'm working on...

Wrapping up the February issue of Jonesboro Occasions. That's right, we're going to send that "Big 80 Page Baby" to the printer today! Seriously, it's like birthing a child each month, getting everything together and sent, but it's so worth it! In addition to my regular illustrations and design work for the mag, this month's issue features some extra illustrations by yours truly for our annual Wedding and Special Events Guide. (As of writing this blog post, I have yet to draw the wedding bouquets!) I also created a really cool moss and magnolia garland that we used for our cover feature photos promoting this year's Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro Charity Ball.

Training for my THIRD half marathon. Yeah, I know. I said I was going to stop with the 2 that I ran last year, and I was gonna stick to 5Ks, but you other runners know how that goes. I'm doing Doc Rock Half Marathon in April again this year, and I'm ramping up my training and hoping for a PR this time. (More on how I started running and my training program to come in a later blog post.) I've decided to keep running half marathons as long as I can. I love it...for now. (On second thought, surviving press day is probably more like running a half marathon...lots of snacks and wall staring after both!)

Continuing my #TheSketchbookLookbook Drawing Series. I'm really loving drawing my outfits each day for this year's sketchbook project. It's also helped me discover new ways to combine existing pieces in my closet to make new outfits. I've also noticed that I've cut back on my spending because I'm now SEEING what I have and rediscovering old pieces that I may not have been showing as much love. Okay, so this gold skirt is new. But it was on sale. And it's shiny.

photo and illustration by Brittney Guest

Working on the covers for an upcoming YA novel series. More on this later. I promise I'm really working on it, Kerri. You know where I live.

Creating stickers for Lace and Whimsy Studio. Have you SEEN my new designs? There's one for when "Naps Happen," a sheet full of nothing but tasty pizza and toppings, one with all finery you need to feel flirty and fabulous, a sheet printed up with girly treats for Valentine's Day, and one of the best dang coffee and donuts this side of The Great Northern.

photos and designs by Brittney Guest

Wouldn't these stickers be so cute for Valentine's Day?

Well, that's about all for now. Gotta go, gotta get the job done, gotta start a new nation, gotta meet my...wait I'm not Alexander Hamilton. Oh well, you know what they say...this gal is non-stop!

A Southern Snow Day

1/6/2017

It snowed, y'all! Only about an inch, and a lot of it has melted off now...but it SNOWED! In Arkansas! In the South! Everything shut down! Three day weekend! So the roomies and I are enjoying a cozy snow day today. We're making a big pot of chili and various baked goods. (I hear key lime cupcakes are on the menu!) The coffee is flowing, and the clothes are washing! We've gotta be productive a little! My sister and I also seized this rare weather opportunity to snap some outfit photos in the snow!

photo by Courtney Guest

I just LOVE this scarf and coat from Modcloth! Green coats are kind of my signature style! I just love bright, vibrant outerwear; it brings a bit of color and happiness to the dreary colors of winter. (But if you really love grey or black coats, you go right ahead and you do you! It's all in how you wear it!)

Don't forget the cozy sweater, leggings, and tall boots!

Happy Snow Day, everyone!

photo and illustration by Brittney Guest

outfit details: Willamette for the Weekend Scarf in Berry, Once Upon a Thyme Coat in Basil, Scenic Route Ready Sweater, Simple and Sleek High-Waisted Leggings beanie and boots all from Modcloth

New Year, New Sketchbook

1/1/2017

Happy New Year! If you've been following along for a bit, you may know that with the start of a new year comes the start of a new drawing project for yours truly! In 2015, I created the hashtag #fillthesketchbook on Instagram to showcase my daily sketches as I challenged myself to fill a sketchbook with 365 drawings. I filled up SIX sketchbooks that year. I guess I should have gotten a 365 page sketchbook!

Last year, I narrowed down the theme of my #fillthesketchbook project and decided to draw one comic every day during 2016 for a total of 366 Instagram comics, or #366squarecomics.

This year, I'm bringing back a popular theme I first tried in 2015 and dubbed #thesketchbooklookbook. I love drawing, and I also love fashion, so what better way to share my OOTD than with an illustrated lookbook of my daily outfits?

illustrations, photos and styling by Brittney Guest

I don't know which is more fun: picking out the outfits, drawing them, arranging the clothes and accessories, or taking the photos! I love the whole process!

Stay tuned and follow my fashionable and artistic adventures on Instagram this year! 2017 is gonna be fun!

Queen of the Asteroids

12/12/2016

My favorite Christmas movie as a little girl was Jim Henson's The Christmas Toy. Here's the basic plot for those of you unfortunate enough to not be a preschooler in the mid to late '80s:

There's this playroom, and the toys that live there pretty much have their own secret life when their people are not around. The self-proclaimed star of the show is Rugby, a stuffed tiger and the favorite toy that the main little girl, Jamie, received for Christmas the year before. Christmas Eve returns to the playroom and the toys are ready to welcome the new toys that Jamie and her brother Jesse will open the next morning to their world. Well, everyone except Rugby. He wants to get back in a beautifully wrapped gift box under the tree and be the star of the show once again. Adventures ensue and the toys accidentally set loose this year's Christmas toy to Jamie...a warrior space queen named Meteora.

And as a toddler, I really loved Meteora's wardrobe full of shiny metallic fabrics and galactic accents. And the fact that she was a strong, independent female who knew her worth, was really awesome, too!

photo by Courtney Guest

Thanks to Modcloth and Eclectic Eccentricity Jewellery, my childhood dreams to dress like my favorite queen of the asteroids are realized...30 years later, but who's counting?

How amazing is this skirt? It's the Intuitive Impact Mini Skirt, and the metallic texture and swishy fabric make this the most party perfect skirt in the galaxy! It was a total impulse Cyber Monday buy, but I don't regret it one bit!

photo by Courtney Guest

My favorite jewelry right now is by Eclectic Eccentricity. The mix of colors and textures is perfect for a quirky, geeky gal who loves a bit of of glitz and glam! I bought this Eclectic Eccentricity necklace (and others!) from Modcloth. I really love that this one has stars, planets and clock gears! Really appeals to my Whovian sensibilities!

These earrings looked quite nice with my Eclectic Eccentricity pieces. They're from a local gift boutique in Jonesboro called Froggie's Full Sun! Really cute gifts for everyone on your list, and everyone that works there is so nice and super helpful! I usually walk in (just looking or to take photos for the magazine) and walk out with a bag or two full of goodies, because you can always use a gift for someone...or yourself! Like last weekend for instance, I walked into Full Sun with the intent to buy a few presents and bought myself a bag full of Musee bath balms to prep for upcoming press deadline stress. Treat yourself! "Dancing in the Moonlight" is my personal favorite! The star confetti and calming scents turn your bath into a swirling galactic pool worthy of Queen Meteora!

photo by Brittney Guest

Remember, stop and take it easy during the hustle and bustle of this holiday season. Treat yourself like the queen of the galaxy you are! Whether that means a luxurious bath, a new skirt or necklace, or just some time relaxing with those you hold dearest, enjoy this season and the love that it brings!

Happy Holidays, y'all!

photo by Courtney Guest

Outfit Details: top, skirt and leggings from Modcloth • necklaces from Eclectic Eccentricity • earrings from Froggie's Full Sun