Neon Lace & Holding onto Summer

As much as I love fall and cannot wait to pick pumpkins and watch the leaves change, I'd be lying if I said I'm happy to see summer go. To me, summer just seems different  - life appears to be slower, the days are longer, and you can be outside without a coat at all times (you may think I'm crazy, but how annoying is it to lug a coat around!). 

Since the temperatures where still warm this weekend, I decided to dig my heels into summer one last time with this bright neon & lace getup for a friends bridal shower.

How was your weekend?! Did you jump into fall or are in slight denial of the end of summer (like me)?

Madwell dress, similar look from Modcloth / J.Crew Factory belt, almost identical version here / old snakeskin heels / old blue statement necklace, great option from Piperlime / old nude clutch, love this sequined version from Mango

I Believe In // Autumn Walks

Isn't this picture a dream? It's not hard to love fall with this a scene like this. 

When making plans with friends, I usually fall into the same routine - either meeting for dinner or Starbucks. While I do have a deep passion for Starbucks, at times it can feel repetitive. A few nights ago, I switched it up a bit and met a good friend for an evening walk, which I now know highly recommend. Of course, everything is more enjoyable when the weather is cooperating, and mother nature just so happened to be brining the big guns that night - we're talking cool, crisp fall air. All in all, it was a refreshing change of pace, and I plan to mix it up more often now (or at least until sub-zero temperatures approach). 

I'd love to know, how do you spend time with friends? Anything unique to get out of the dinner-rut?

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Atlanta

Dorothy Perkins Biker Jacket & Sequined Embellished Dress /  Aldo Black Zip Boot /  Topshop Embellished Sweater / Miss Selfridge Coated Moto Jeans / Dolce Vita Fiera Flat /  Dorothy Perkins Double Zip Tote 

I've been to Atlanta quite a few times, but mostly for work or as a pit-stop along the way to family in Alabama. While I have managed to squeeze in a few trips to the Lenox Mall (hey, I've got priorities!) and Piedmont Park, I feel like I've only barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. 

We have some great friends that live there, and I'd love to visit them, exploring the city during the day in a dressed-up sweater and bright flats, and switching to a sequined dress for Atlanta's nightlife. 

Have you ever been to Atlanta? Anything that needs to make my must-see list?!

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Get the Look: Bowler Bags

1. Zara Mustard Bowler / 2. Urban Outfitters Blue Satchel  / 3. Dorothy Perkins Oxford Bowler / 4. Mango Studded Bowling Bag / 5. H&M Navy Bag with Gold Zippers / 6. Dorothy Perkins Red Front Pocket Bowler / 7. Forever 21 Croc Boston Bag  / 8. Melie Bianco Estela Bag

This fall, it seems that every bag on my wish list resembles a bowling bag, and as much as I would love to take a beautiful Givenchy bag home with me, that just is not what is in my crystal ball (plus I have a feeling it wouldn't play nice with all of my non-designer handbags). In the meantime, here are some great options, all under $100 - holla! 

Which one is your favorite?! I am loving the navy option from H&M - looks so luxe! Any other handbags your coveting for fall? I'd love to know!

A Chambray Fall

 The amount of times that I wear this chambray top is slightly concerning - especially  to those who interact with me on a daily basis and may be wondering if I have enough time to wash in between wears. The answer is yes, although just barely. 

It only seemed appropriate that I usher in the first day of fall with my favorite shirt and an outfit that was copied inspired by this picture that has been sitting on my Pinterest board for awhile. 

Old Eddie Bauer (I know, crazy!) chambray shirt, loving Madewell's version / J.Crew Factory white jeans / old leopard belt, similar here / J.Crew wedge boots / old military jacket from H&M, love this embellished version / Warby Parker Downing Sunglasses 

I Believe In // Stopping to Smell the Roses

This week while re-reading one of my all time favorite books, Ragamuffin Gospel (so dang good!), I was struck by this quote: 

"we get so preoccupied with ourselves, the words we speak, the plans and projects we conceive that we become immune to the glory of creation". 

This was one of those quotes that stopped me in my tracks because it is so true - at least for me. I am a perpetual planner - I am already thinking about plans for next weekend, what is going on the grocery list that I won't write until Saturday, & our travel plans for my sister-in-law's wedding in May (I've said it before, I know I am nuts). While planning can have it's perks, it also causes me to miss out the world around me because I'm so focused on what is next. So this weekend, I plan to take some of my own advice and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me in dearest mother nature - a picturesque (or should I say instagramable?) sunset, the crisp fall air, the warmth of the sun, and the beginning of changing leaves. 

Image via.

Wanderlust Wednesday // Boston

Tea Floral Blazer /  Jeweled Oxford / Leopard Print iPhone Case / Denim Skater Skirt / Pebbles Bootie / Cassidy Weekender / Image via

For some reason,  cooler temperatures have left me craving a trip out east to roam history-filled, brick-lined streets. In my mind, the perfect city for a fall  expedition out east is Boston - a city that is rich with history and has proven it's resilience and courage in the past year. 

If I were headed to Boston, I'd pack classic pieces that had a little bit of edge - the jeweled oxford and jean skirt feel appropriate, but fresh at the same time. Also loving the weekender from Sole Society - looks beautiful and the price is fab!

Any trips to Boston recently? What did you pack? Any must-see places?!

Get the Look: Mara Hoffman

1. Shop Ruche Pleated Dress 2. Topshop Floral Digital Tank 3. MINKPINK Wanderer Coat 4. Nasty Gal Lush Life Skirt 5. Topshop Flower Print Blouse 6. H&M Printed Skirt 7. Nasty Gal Lavish Dress 8. Topshop Leopard Print Tunic Dress

 Mara Hoffman has been one of my favorite designers ever since I saw a bikini of hers all over Pinterest. Her use of color and pattern to make unique, beautiful pieces feels so fresh (and makes we want to travel to Miami for some reason?). Her spring collection that I stalked was no exception, and left me wanting just about everything. 

Then reality hits. And reality is not always so nice. While I would instantly snatch up every Mara Hoffman item if I could, this girl is ballin' on a budget (and I do mean and legit clothes budget) and good ole Mara Hoffman is just going to have to sit tight until that number skyrockets. Until that sweet day, we're going with the philosophy of "fake it 'till you make it" - here are some great looks that I think embody the Mara Hoffman style - enjoy!

Print Mix

A lesson I've learned recently: when in doubt, throw on as many prints as you can. My phiolosphy is that when you mismatch so much, it might actually work? Am I crazy? The answer is probably yes, but fashion should be fun and that is one thing this outfit is not lacking. 

I threw this outfit on yesterday for church, and decided to keep it on (chalk it up to lazy Sunday) for a acoustic Citizen Cope concert last night. While there, I quickly realized I was literally the brightest-dressed person in the room - hey, at least I didn't have to fear getting lost! Quick side note about Citizen Cope - one of my favorites, and judging from last night, one of the most humble artists. 

Stitchwork stripe top from J.Crew / Gap polka dot pants, similar here and here / Zara city bag / Tommy Hilfiger oxfords, great options from Modcloth & PacSun

I Believe In // Girlfriends

You know the expression "friends are the family you get to choose"? (I know, real corny). I had always heard this expression growing up, but never fully understood it until I got to college. Corny as it may be, it's so true - for 3 years during college, I got to live with eight girls that I can honestly say are my family, and who have a huge chunk of my heart. When people still want to be friends with you after they've seen your ugly side - you know the "let the tea kettle whistle for hours when others are sleeping-get really hangry-always running late-terrible at contributing to group chores" side, you know you've found some serious for-life friends. 

With one of my best friends' bridal showers this weekend, I will get to see all of these beautiful friends of mine and I couldn't be more ecstatic. I'm looking forwarding to celebrating, laughing until I cry, reliving the glory days, and sharing life. 

Wanderlust Wednesday // Savannah

Mosaic Maltese Bib Necklace /  Floral Bud Chambray Shirt / Floral Vintage Skirt / Plated Pastel Bag / Gold Watch / Leopard Smoking Slippers / City Bike / image via

Lately, it seems like the majority of travel conversations I have found myself in seem to reference visiting Savannah in some way. While it wasn't on my original list of must-see places in the next few years, I have succumb to peer pressure and jumped on the Savannah bandwagon.

I've always had a huge appreciation for history, and there appears to be no shortage of that in the Georgian city. Whenever I get the chance to visit, I imagine strolling the streets (or riding on a super cute bike!) in girly florals, and perhaps some print-mixing - my go to!

Have you every been to Savannah, and must-see places?!

Fashion Week Faves

Novis / Mara Hoffman / Tracy Reese / Trina Turk / Alice + Olivia / Honor

I am no fashion week expert, but I am throughly enjoying wasting all of my free time stalking the shows and presentations over at style.com. Two key takeaways - the 90's are back baby, and crop tops are here to stay - still not sure how I feel about those. 

While many fashion shows showcase beautiful pieces that aren't always realistic in everyday life, I tend to gravitate towards looks that I can see myself in - here's a roundup of my favorites so far! Loving - loud skirts, print-mixing, and beautiful patterns, sign me up!

What are you loving from fashion week so far? Anything I'm missing?!

Classic Overload

Happy Monday People! Is anyone else enjoying stalking the fashion week shows and street style as much as me? (I can't get over this picture, amazinnngg). Any favorites I'm missing?

As far as this outfit goes, apparently I decided that since black & white are both timeless I'd just throw on as much as humanly possible. Surprisingly, not a complete disaster. I wore this for a friend's birthday dinner a few weeks back, and avoided looking like a character from a 1930's film with a coral clutch and some red lipstick. 

Tory Burch sunglasses / old Gap tank, fun detailed version here or a classic version / Leaf necklace from local boutique, identical look here / H&M pants, similar version / Fossil watch, updated version here / Aldo clutch, similar color from Target, laser detail found here / Zara heels

I Believe In // Family Dinners

Growing up, my memory of enjoying regular family dinners fades around middle school - probably because both my brother and I were involved in numerous sports/activities, and my mom was just trying to keep her head above water. But for some strange reason, I knew that when my husband and I got married last November, I wanted to reinstate the tradition. 

While we have successfully been able to enjoy dinner together most evenings, at times it can feel rushed due to trying to squeeze in workouts, and chores to get ready for the next day. I was reminded just how sweet a long, slow and relaxing dinner was Thursday evening when we were fortunate enough to have my dad stay with us, and cook us dinner! (best thing ever - I'm totally hiring a personal chef if I ever win the lottery). We enjoyed great food and were able to sit around the table, talk and catch up for a few hours. It was wonderful and a great reminder to slow down every once in awhile. 

Tell me, how do you relax everyday with your family? 

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Interweb Round Up

As a follower of blogs for a few years now, some of the posts I enjoy reading the most are those that introduce new (to me) gems that exist on the great world wide web. With this is mind, here's a few of my favorites around the interwebs right now! 

Let me know, what are you loving online? Let's share!

1. One of my weaknesses is sunglasses, so I was delighted to find this great website with a ton of fresh shapes and designs thanks to corals + cognacs.

2. My new favorite song to dance to - wake me up, you're welcome all who ride in the car next to me for the stellar performance.

3. An article on the expectation vs. reality of working full time - especially love the 2nd and 6th expectation bust, and about died laughing at the last - it's true!

4. Do not delay, sign up for Hukkster immediately, it alerts you when your must-have items go on sale -
genus!

5. After this post yesterday, I was reminded of one of my favorite articles about the woman of the hour.

Channeling Lyons

 It's confession time - I am a huge J.Crew fan. So much so, that at times I refer to their CEO Mickey Drexler, and Creative Director Jenna Lyons as if I know them. Both pathetic and true. So I was delighted to find that when I put this outfit on for the first time, it felt like I was channeling my main woman, Jenna. (we have the same name, so naturally we'd be friends). 

I know what you're thinking - that's quite the stretch, yeah yeah I know. By no means is this outfit revolutionary, but sometimes perception is reality and I'll take the reality perception that I may every so slightly resemble Ms. Lyons' style with this look. 

Who are your style icons? I'm also digging Taylor Tomasi Hill as of late. 

J.Crew vintage cotton tee / old brown belt, fun option here /  old colorblock skirt, similar look from ASOS / old leopard from J.Crew, great option from Forever 21 / Kelsi Dagger Sandal from DSW

Pattern Play // Plaid

Clockwise from top left: Mini Mary Satchel / Plaid Peplum Shirt / Round Collar Checked Shirt / Drawstring Backpack / Checked Trousers / Farm from Home Sweater / Checked Skirt / Swatch & Listen Dress / Pattern via

While out in Nashville this past weekend, I saw a girl (she was probably in her mid-20s, but doesn't woman just sound too old?) who looked she was pulled right from the 90's - crop top, denim shorts, combat boots, and a plaid shirt tied around her waist. At first glance, this may have appeared off but I couldn't help but think she was on to something. 

Until recently, I thought plaid was only to be worn as a Christmas pajama pant but now I can't help but think of the versatility - pairing with delicate lace items, sequins and sparkles (especially for the holidays!), and dressing it up with a black blazer and pants. 

I'd love to know, what are your thoughts on plaid? Oh and PS - happy fashion week!