Mmm, Yall {Wild Ophelia Chocolate}

May I introduce you to a new Southern treat that I've found? Wild Ophelia takes Southern favorites – peaches, pecans, chilis – and mixes them with chocolate to make magic.

I've tried the New Orleans Chili, Southern Hibiscus Peach, and the Sweet Cherry Pecan so far. The New Orleans Chili is my favorite. There are dark and milk chocolates in the collection, something for everyone!

1. Wild Ophelia Chocolate, various flavors wildophelia.com

Party, Yall {Kentucky Oaks}

This weekend is the official kick-off party for the 2012 Kentucky Oaks and Derby. Louisville is buzzing with excitement, planning, and shopping.

The Kentucky Oaks is a day of racing preceding the Kentucky Derby. It is called Louisville's Derby by some locals. It's a day the ladies take center stage. All fillies (female horses) run, and breast cancer awareness is supported by the annual Pink Out, which means pink is the predominate color worn to the day's races. The event even has it's own official drink, which I've included for you here.

Amazing accessories, namely hats, are a must at the races and going over the top is permissible. This fascinator by Cressida is just enough and looks both sculptural and painterly. Kluster earrings are made locally and the color combinations are extensive. Robert Joyner was responsible for the Oaks and Derby posters created this year. I love his use of color, and think that using an impressionistic technique was a great choice is capturing the movement of a racing horse. 

1. Oaks Lily® in official glass kentuckyderbyparty.com ($6) 2. Hats By Cressida, Pale Pink and Black Fascinator etsy.com ($80) 3. Nadia & Co., Kenetic Splash cookies nadiaandco.com (contact for pricing) 5. Robert Joyner, Original Equine Painting rjoynerartworks.com ($28.50) 5. Kluster, pink, rose, and pale green earring etsy.com ($28.50)

Styling Yall {Southern Lace}

I've noticed that lace/doily crochet is in style for spring. I am usually very picky with patterns, I don't like things to be overly ornate. Lace is the exception to that. It is the one pattern that is uniquely feminine, always gaudy, and yet always classic.

The fun navy and white dress in from Judith March. I knew the designer/owner of this brand in school. She has an easy feminine style. I love how this dress makes the doily look bold and graphic.

Voluspa's votive candles have a cut glass lace design that I love. I would love to collect them into a group once I'm through burning them. (I'm big on reusable containers). My ultimate favorite, however, would be a shadylace parasol for my backyard, casting a lacy shade on a hot day. And some sweet tea of course.

1. Judith March, Doily Dress judithmarch.com (stores for pricing) 2. Pier 1, Doily Plate pier1 ($6) 3. Gabrielle Handmade Jewelry, Small Sterling Cuff gabriellejewelry.com ($220.00) 4. Droog, Lace Fence (request price) droog.com 5. Droog, Shadylace Parasol droog.com (225,00 Euro) 6. Hello Violeta, White Lace Flower Blossom Garland hellovioleta.com ($29) 7. Voluspa, French Cade Lavender Candle anthropologie.com ($18)