Don't count on this becoming a trend anytime soon...
I have a confession to make. I've been having major withdrawals. I need to find an S.A. (Shopaholics Anonymous) meeting stat.
You see, since getting engaged, pretty much every spare penny has been going toward wedding expenses.
As the honeymoon nears, I've been dying for the high you get...you know that little flutter in your heart...when walking out of store, shopping bag in hand.
We'll be honeymooning in St. Lucia (recommendations, anyone?), and all I can think about is bright, bold looks to wear with a new tan!
Last week, I was helping my mom find gold statement earrings to wear to the wedding, and couldn't help getting sidetracked by all sorts of fabulous, bold, bright pairs of earrings!
I hope you've had a great week! We are still adjusting to life as "puppy parents" so excuse my blogging absence!
Today I am excited to be sharing an upcoming event with my local readers: A Lilly Pulitzer shopping event to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 13th from 11 am - 4 pm. 10% of all sales will benefit RMHC of Richmond, AND, for those that aren't local, you can call in to place orders for the event at (804) 396-6139. I'll be there to shop alongside with you, and help you to style the pieces!
To prepare for the event, Allison, RMHC of Richmond's Director of Development, and I did a little "market research" earlier this week. It was so fun checking out Lilly's newest arrivals, before they even launched online...and let me tell you friends, they won't disappoint!
Here's a peek at some of my favorite pieces from the new line, with sizing details!
First up, I have been dying to try on a pair of Palazzo Pants for the longest time, but shied away from them, certain they'd look ridiculous on my petite frame. When I tried them on, I immediately wondered what I'd been waiting for...not to mention, isn't the Multi Garden Exotic print to die for!? They are so flattering! I styled them with a classic white Elsa Top, tucked in, the Coastal Tassel Necklace, the Knotty Clutch, and finally the Kristin Leather Wedge.
For sizing reference, I sized up to a medium in the Palazzo Pants. I had room in the waist, but needed some extra room for my rear. If you're a bit curvy like me, I'd recommend sizing up, but, if you have a straighter figure, trust them to be true to size! In the Elsa, I am wearing a small, and liked the bit of extra fabric to flounce. Elsas are pretty forgiving. I own both an XS and M and love them both! The XS I wear more for work, and the M, I love to wear with skinny jeans and boots for more of a loose, flowy vibe in cooler months!
Next up, was my favorite piece in the entire store: the Celyn Romper! I eyed it immediately on a mannequin and it was love at first sight! Needless to say, I couldn't resist bringing it home with me!
I thought the neon color paired best with flashy gold accessories like the Bask in Wicker Clutch and Kristin Leather Wedge. The Lexy Aviators with pink lenses give the look a very Miami vibe, right? Knowing that my other two Lilly rompers run on the small side, I grabbed the next size up in this romper. I am a pretty true size 6 right now, and am wearing an 8 in the romper.
Shorts with wedges and a fun top are another favorite look of mine in the summer months, so I couldn't resist styling an outfit with the Buttercup Shorts. The Pink Pout Too Much Bubbly print was speaking to me, and I thought they would go perfectly with the Fifer One Shoulder Top that Allison and I both spied when we first got into the store. I decided to switch to the Bridgette Wedge for this look and they turned out to be hands down my favorite shoes in the collection! So sweet and very me, with a pop of gold! Finishing touches for the look were the Lexy Aviators, Flamenco Pineapple Tassel Necklace(love, love, love!), and Tiki Palm iPhone Wristlet.
I loved this outfit and am thinking of getting the top when I am back for the event on the 13th. For sizing, the shorts are true to size. I am wearing a 6. Sizing of the top was a bit more ambiguous. I am wearing a small, but still had some extra room in the top elastic. I may try an XS when I am back.
In hot weather, I always gravitate toward comfy "throw on" dresses, so I immediately eyed the Ophelia Swing Dress. It would be perfect for a day of errands or shopping, but is nice enough to dress up for a date night or work, as well.
With shopping in mind, I threw on some comfy McKim Sandals. I'd say this dress runs, true to size. I am wearing a small.
And last, but not least, you can't prepare for a Lilly shopping event, without trying on a classic shift dress. I picked the Lynn Shift Dress and absolutely loved it! The Multi Out to Sea print is gorgeous, and I love the lace detailing and flattering neckline. The sweet Bridgette Wedges were the perfect complement to the dress, as was the Bask in Wicker Clutch.
As is typical for me, I sized up in this shift dress. Even when I was a 2/4, I often wore a 6 in Lilly shifts, and am wearing an 8 here.
Do you have a favorite look?
Have you shopped Lilly lately?
Don't forget to mark your calendars for August 13th at the Short Pump Lilly Pulitzer Store. You can see the Facebook event here.
Those of you that follow along on Instagram know that we recently got a puppy!
I'll likely devote a full post to Miss Millie sometime soon, but. needless to say, our first weekend with the little sweet thing wore us out! We got her last Monday night, but dropped her at the trainer's for a little crash course. The trainer brought her to our house Saturday morning, spending 2 hours training us, and since then it's been full speed ahead! She is so sweet and well behaved already, but has a little spunk which I love!
All things Millie aside, I am excited today to be announcing the winner of my Southern Proper Summer Fun Giveaway. I appreciate your patience and understanding regarding my A Day of Silence post on Friday. The news from Baton Rouge yesterday was certainly heartbreaking again, but for now, in this corner of the web, I'm ready to move ahead and focus on the positive...and winning a giveaway, is certainly positive!
I hope this post finds you well. Still in the summer blogging swamp a bit over here, but I am enjoying staying connected through Instagram!
Today's post is an exciting one, though, that certainly pulled me out of my slump a bit: A collaboration AND giveaway with Southern Proper!
I've been a longtime Southern Proper fan for Bryce, but more recently have been loving their new women's line. It is full of classic, preppy pieces with the utmost attention to detail. You may remember I first mentioned the line in this Five on Friday post back in March.
Well, after that post, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Southern Proper ladies, and seeing the line in person, while at the Southern C Summit in Charleston.
Let me tell you, the pieces were just as fabulous in person as they had looked on my computer screen! That being said, you can imagine I was thrilled when Ashley of Southern Proper reached out wanting to collaborate. Ashley was sweet enough to send some goodies for both me AND you!
When it came to me, I knew I had to have the Chambray Dessie Skirt...I have been eyeing it for months, y'all! Wanting to provide you with a full Southern Proper look, I decided to also feature the White Ansley Blouse and the oh so fun Striped Caroline Flats. I also accessorized with the SoPro Sunglasses that are a part of the giveaway!
I paired my Southern Proper look with a red lip, and coral necklace to provide a little pop!
My Clare V clutch is always a favorite and you know I love some pattern mixing! I thought it went great with the chambray and stripes!
Please tell me some of you fellow bloggers feel as awkward as me when taking fashion photos? I tip my hat off to the real fashion bloggers out there. It isn't easy! This is just one of many outtakes! Bryce is a great sport!
These SoPro sunglasses are so fun! They are made in Italy by Red's Outfitters and have fabulous gold detailing, while also being eco-friendly. They also came with a great protective pouch!
You can shop my entire look here:
To talk fit and detailing, I'll share that the clothing fits pretty true to size. The top is made of a durable eyelet, that's breezy for the summer heat! I am wearing a medium, as I typically size up a bit in button downs to avoid the dreaded gaping that can happen in the bust area. The skirt is a great lightweight chambray and I am crazy about the buttons and scallops! I am wearing a 6. The flats run slightly large. I am a true size 8, but wear a 7.5 in these.
And now friends, the moment you've been waiting for...THE GIVEAWAY! I titled this giveaway the Southern Proper Summer Fun Giveaway and timed it after the 4th for a reason. I think I've mentioned here before that I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the July 4th holiday. The hate piece comes in because I always feel like after the 4th, summer flies by! Can any of y'all relate? That being said, a full 8 weeks still stand between us and Labor Day, so there is still plenty of time for summer fun! Not to mention the fact that, those of us who live in the South can still enjoy summer weather through September, and sometimes even into October! The fun is just beginning!
For this giveaway, I worked with Southern Proper to come up with all the essentials you'd need for some summer fun. I had hoped to photograph the pieces while at the river this past weekend, but the weather had other plans. The giveaway, valued at $180.50 includes the SoPro Sunglasses, Party Time Beach Towel, Embroidered Coozie, and a Seersucker Hat. To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be announced a week from today on July 15th. Good luck!
I'll be the first to admit, I've hit the summer blogging slump. On top of that, things are gearing up at work. Fall is our busiest time of year and now we are starting to get busy with preparations for the upcoming season.
I am glad to tune in today, though, linking up with the 5 on Friday ladies!
Like probably all of you, I also love the off-the-shoulder trend and have been on the hunt for a top that I love...that doesn't break the bank. I've found it in this top! It actually reminds me a lot of this top that I fell in love with, but was way out of my price range with a tag of $395! I love loose, flowy tunics, and this has a similar feel! I also love this barely there salmon color! It also comes in white, a pale blue stripe, and a dark blue stripe. I have a 20% off code right now, which brings this shirt in as a steal at under $60. You can get your own code, by completing this brief survey. What summer trends are you loving?
I try to not share things here on the blog that I can't link back to an original source, but this pin was too good not to share. Those who follow along on Insta, know that I've caught the running bug. For the last month and a half, I have been running every 2-3 days, a minimum of 3 times per week. I have always said "I am not a runner" but have finally reached a point that I crave my runs. I've been using the Running for Weight Loss app, which is an interval training program. I started at the beginner level and in the beginning, it was mostly just walking and running. Now I am doing mostly running and sprints. Toward the very last leg of the workouts, I find myself at a point (typically after a tough uphill sprint), where I just want to stop and walk. At that point, I just repeat to myself in my head over and over, "Running slow is better than walking." You can imagine, therefore when I saw this pin, it really resonated. Now I just need to get my diet in shape! What are your best motivators to stay fit?
I can't get enough of this "Head Over Boots" song by Jon Pardi. It is so cheesy, but I love it! I always find myself listening to country more in the summertime. What have you been listening to lately?
I can't believe that 4th of July is just next weekend! Time, as always, is flying! Earlier this week, we had dinner with Bryce's mom and we discussed coming up with some creative blueberry cocktails for the holiday, as the blueberry bushes at the river are overflowing with berries. I couldn't resist going to Pinterest for some inspiration, and think the champagne cocktail pictured above sounds like a winner! I also will likely be making my Patriotic Popcorn (recipe here). What are your 4th plans?
I first came across Bradley of the blog Luella & June on Instagram here. I was immediately drawn to her preppy, punchy style! I still follow along mostly on Insta, but also like perusing her blog for fashion eye candy! If only I had an unlimited budget to fill my closet with all of her beautiful pieces...do you follow Bradley? Any other favorites I should be following?
Every so often I battle insomnia and last night happened to be one of those nights. I am literally running on fumes today as I got less than 2 hours sleep last night...not a good way to start the week!
This weekend Anna, my best friend from UVA, came into town. She is getting married in September and was in town from New York City to attend to wedding tasks, but she set aside some time for me on Friday night. Prior to her moving up north, we saw each other every few months, and now we're lucky to get in one or maybe two good, long visits a year. That being said, time with her is cherished! I picked her up from the airport on Friday night and we headed to a local favorite, Stella's. We were the last ones to leave the restaurant and then made our way to her brother's where she was staying. We opened a bottle of wine and parked ourselves on his porch swing, talking into the wee hours of the night. I came home so happy and relaxed from my visit with her.
During our conversation, she gave me the task of helping her to find a rehearsal dinner dress. I've never been known to turn down shopping and got right to it!
A little white dress is a staple in every Southern lady's closet. And regardless of whether you're a bride or not, it's so fun to pull out crisp, white dresses this time of year, so I decided to share my finds with you.
Anna's rehearsal dinner will be at a rustic location on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She is giving her fiance, Charlie, the reins in terms of choosing a menu for the night. It's looking like a good old fashioned Southern barbecue might be in the cards. That being said, I immediately knew an easy sundress would be in order for this laid back night.
This week has been a doozy! To say I am ready for Friday would be an understatement.
Today I am rounding out my Spring Wish List, by sharing the fashion items that I want. You can read about my Spring needs here.
New Lilly
I always like to pick up a few new Lilly pieces this time of year, and especially have my eye on the Gretch Skort Romper above! I have 2 other Lilly rompers and live in them all summer, so I think this would be a great addition to my closet! I also think both the Iona Lace Shell and the Bailey Sleeveless Top would be great for work and play; and I can never get enough of my favorite shorts, the Callahans.
Mint Jeans
I have a pair of coral J. Brand jeans (similar) that I bought last summer and live in! I think colored denim is so fun and want to add a pair of mint jeans to my collection next. I saw these at Nordstrom recently and really liked them! Not to mention they're available in 9 different colors to fill all your colored denim desires!
Slim Crossbody Bag
I have 2 crossbody bags currently, but both are on the larger side. With summertime coming, I know I'm going to want to be "hands free" at upcoming events, and want a crossbody bag that isn't bulky. At the top of my list is the Gigi NY Chelsea Crossbody in Poppy! I love that the strap can also be removed and it can be carried as a clutch!
So there you have it, the top 3 items on my spring wish list that are purely wants. I can't guarantee that this list won't expand...particularly when I'm in Charleston in just two weeks! I'm sure I'll be seeing wants around every corner!
I've mentioned it a lot lately, but I am giddy for spring...and spring shopping! After very little shopping all fall and winter, I am dying for some fun bright, new pieces for the warmer weather.
That being said, between now having a car payment, being a bridesmaid in two upcoming weddings, and heading to the Southern C Summit next month, I am definitely having to stick to a budget! I decided to divide my spring wish list this year into two categories: Needs & Wants. This way I can prioritize my shopping and stick to a budget! Today I am sharing my Spring Needs with you!
NEEDS
New Tan Wedges
Y'all know I've been dreaming about these Tory Burch wedges for over a year now. I'm hoping for a Friends & Family sale in April, but I have found 2 similar pairs, at much lower, price points, too (here and here). I am debating if I should get one of those pairs instead? If I do that, I'll be able to justify buying something (or maybe even a few things) off my wants list. What do y'all think?
Light Blazer
Blazers have never really been my thing. I love them on others, but feel like they just never quite work on my body. I have a black blazer that I think I've only worn once all fall and winter. That being said, with warmer temperatures coming, I have a feeling I'll be wearing sleeveless dresses more frequently, and having a great light blazer will be necessary to wear with those dresses for important meetings, or in cold spaces! I am really loving some of J. Crew's sleek options, particularly this one. I think they would make for a more flattering fit on me.
New Nude Heels
I've had my current nude heels for over 5 years now, and it's safe to say, they've seen better days! My current pair are Franco Sarto with a round toe, slight platform, and matte leather. I love them and really like this similar Franco Sarto pair! I bought mine for a bargain at Marshall's. I'll likely look there again, but have found some other great pairs online, in case their selection isn't up to par. AND, if I'm really going to call this a "wish" list, I'll admit that the L.K. Bennetts are the pair I really want!
What are your current wardrobe needs?
Have you done any spring shopping lately?
I'll have a more fun wish list post coming soon with my spring wants!
