New Blog Home!

Hey guys! 

So, after taking an extended break to focus on school and work, I've done a lot of thinking about the future of the blog. As I work towards a future career in the fashion industry, I want to keep this blog as an outlet for my creativity, a source of inspiration, and a way to network with like-minded individuals. So, I've decided that I want to take my blog to the next step. 

Starting at the beginning of next year, I will be self-hosting my blog through Wordpress under a new name.

 I hope to see you there!

What I Wore Today: Blush Lace

tank: TJMaxx (similar) / jeans: H&M / purse: Old Navy / boots: Charlotte Russe (similar) / rings: charming charlie / bracelets: charming charlie / necklace: vintage

Orange Swing Dress

Dress : Old Navy / / Shoes: Old Navy / / Sunglasses: Elie Tahari

Alabama has been hot these past few weeks. And there's no better way to beat the heat than to roll out the breezy dresses and sandals. 

I love a simple, stream-lined dress for the summer and this swing dress from Old Navy fit the bill. They were on sale for only $15 and I had to go for this vibrant orange color. I don't own anything orange and the color and silhouette are great for almost any occasion.

 Necklace: franchesca's (Out of Stock, but here's one of my faves)

Franchesca's is one of my first pics for beautiful, well-made jewelry that is great for the price. They always have buckets (yes, buckets) of items on clearance and sometimes a BOGO on the already marked-down items. You can't really beat it!

Druzy Ring: Forever 21 (Out of Stock, similar) / / Thin Ring: charming charlie

Thank you for reading!

Friday Favorites

When writing this blog, sometimes it can be pretty tough to get inspired. After work or class, my creative juices are usually running dry and I have to draw inspiration from another source. One way I often do this is by reading "favorites" posts from my favorite bloggers or watching them on YouTube.

 So, for today's post I decided to share some of my favorite things that I've been inspired by or enjoyed lately à la Lauren Conrad, one of my personal favorite sources of inspiration. 

Favorite Recipe: Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Seeing as I love anything cheesy (favorite food!) and full of carbs, pasta is naturally one of my favorite meals.

I've made this pasta twice so far and it's amazing. The alfredo is (of course) what really makes or breaks a

pasta for me and this one is perfectly rich and creamy with a hint of spice from the seasoning. You can try this

recipe out for yourself by visiting Tastes Better from Scratch.

Favorite Blog: Thrifts and Threads

As much as I love my girly, colorful blogs, Brittany's effortless casual-cool style is a breath of fresh air and very relatable to how I dress most days. I also love that she combines thrifted and vintage items with retail ones to show that you can look great and not break the bank. She also give great advice at succeeding on Instagram and blogging. Check her out! 

Favorite Trend: Lace-Up Tops

\These tops have been everywhere this spring and summer and for good reason. It's a great way to add an extra touch to a casual outfit. I especially love to wear mine with cutoff shorts and sandals or wear a monochromatic look with white skinny jeans. I especially love the look of this collared version from Urban Outfitters.

Favorite Location: Monaco

My family on my dad's side is from Monaco and I've always wanted to visit, but these shots I came across on Pinterest really show the beauty of the state. Monte Carlo is home to the infamous Monte Carlo Casino, Hotel de Paris, the Prince's Palace, and the Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of the beautiful, talented (and fashionable) Princess Grace (Grace Kelly). There are also plenty of amazing restaurants, shops, and sights to see. I definitely hope to visit someday!

Source

The beautiful Hotel de Paris.

Source

The streets of Monaco at night.

Source

The famous Monte Carlo Casino.

That wraps up today's post! I will attempt to do one of these most Friday's, but I may miss a few here and there. What are some of your favorites of the moment?

Thank you for reading!

Jeans 101: Crash Course in Styling Denim

Source: David Prince

I, like most, live in denim.

You can see from the outfits I've posted on the blog that my high-waist skinny jeans are my most worn item(s). You could probably consider me an expert jeans-wearer. But, we all have a style we prefer. Many love the laid-back boyfriend, while some opt for the classic boot-cut. Not to mention the flare, which has made a big comeback lately. But sometimes it can be difficult to make certain styles look chic. So, click on through for a crash course on how to wear any pair of jeans you may come across

Capsule Wardrobes

Long time, no post!

I've definitely been slacking on my posting on the blog since summer started (gotta love blogging burnout!) But, I was inspired to write a post after coming across the blog Unfancy. This blog documents Caroline's journey to nix cheap impulse buys and focus on creating wardrobe of versatile clothing she loved to wear.

So how did she do it?

My Favorite Spring Trends

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!

I know you're probably sick of all these spring-themed posts, but what can I say, the warm sun, blue skies, and blooming foliage is really lifting my spirits and inspiring me this year! And part of my love for the season is because of the breezy, colorful fashion, reminiscent of nature's beauty in spring. So today, I'm going to share some of my fave trends of the moment! While these trends have been swirling around the fashion world for quite a while now, I thing spring is a great time to wear them and implement them into your wardrobe!

blouse ○ necklace ○ horn beaded bracelet ○ lace-up gladiator sandals

As I said above, these trends aren't exactly "breaking news" and the tassel trend is no exception--they're everywhere! But, these cute little embellishments are here to stay for the time-being and are perfect for springtime. Charming Charlie has TONS of beautiful pieces featuring tassels, and all at a very affordable price point. (My personal fave is this beautiful beaded necklace--great quality and only $18!) and these turquoise tassel earrings from Francesca's.

gold-heel accent ○ snake-skin detail ○ sleek nude ○ lace-up

Low-heeled sandals are perfect in so many ways and probably one of my favorites (if not my favorite) shoe silhouette. They offer the dressiness of a heel and the comfort of a sandal, making them perfect for just about any occasion. My personal favorite is this simple brown sandal from Seychelles. They are a bit pricey for me, but it's always great to invest in well-made, classic items and a pair of brown leather sandals is essential!

lace-up (25% off at bloomingdale's right now) ○ bell-sleeve ○ ruffled

Breezy long-sleeved blouses are perfect for staying cool in the sun, but offer more coverage than a tank top during chillier spring mornings and evenings. I personally love these kinds of tops when visiting the beach during a cooler time of the year. My favorite has to be this beautiful lace-detail bell-sleeved blouse by Sun and Shadow.

Thanks for reading everyone! 

If you want to see more from me, be sure to follow me on Pinterest (I'm SUPER active on there!)

I occasionally post to Instagram and and Twitter as well, but not as often.

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{What I Wore Today} Thrift Shopping

○ top: TJMaxx (similar) ○ jeans: H&M ○ boots: charlotte russe (Sold Out, similar here)○ necklace: charming Charlie (similar) ○ hat: local boutique (similar) ○ sunglasses: Elie Tahari (cheaper similar pair here)

Hey guys! So today's look was created to be comfortable and fashionable (my favorite combination!) for a day of thrifting in Birmingham. It's pretty simple, but I love this outfit.

We're having our annual end-of-winter cold snap, so today called for this long sleeved gray top, jeans, and ankle boots. I accessorized with this cute new burgundy floppy hat and a layered tassel necklace. If I could change one thing about this outfit, however, I would have added a belt to complete the look.

Spring Break Essentials

Long time no see! 

I must apologize for my absence this past month and a half...this semester combined with working has proven to eat up a lot more time than anticipated! But I'm going to try the get this thing back on a roll...

Here in Alabama, the weather has begun to show signs of spring, and you know what that means...the (much-needed) spring break is upon us! Even if you're not jetting off a sunny, tropical paradise, now is a great time to stock up on all your spring staples, including vibrant hues, breezy lace, and lots of florals, of course.

Without further ado, here are my spring break must-haves:

tassel crossbody ○ floppy hat ○ high-neck bikini top ○ platform wedges ○ colorful bracelet set
reversible tote ○ turquoise drops ○ tiered romper ○ tassel shorts

Wherever you're jetting off to this spring, these items will you stylin' without melting in the heat. I am obsessed with this beautiful tiered lace-edge romper from ASOS. It's perfect for a summer barbecue or a day of shopping. Accessories like this floppy sunhat and big brown tote are also no-fuss ways to make your beach-going experience a lot more pleasant.

There you have it! Bon voyage!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas {Almost} All Under $100

January is coming to a close and you know what that means...Valentine's Day! If you're having trouble finding something, these gifts can be used year-round and are a great way to treat the lady in your life (or yourself...) and all but one of these is under $100! Three cheers for giving an awesome gift and not breaking the bank!

Miss Dior Perfume - This iconic perfume is the embodiment of romance and femininity with notes of Italian mandarin, Egyptian jasmine, and Indonesian patchouli. It smells amazing, but is still soft and not overpowering.

 Kate Spade 'Love List' Pavé Heart Studs - Simple, sparkly, and beautiful. And under $50.

Kate Spade Telephone Dial Compact Mirror - This vintage-style compact mirror is adorable and perfect for when she needs to check her lipstick.

Nine West Leopard Pump - You can never go wrong with leopard accessories. Leopard pumps are a must-have for any fashionista's closet.

Kate Spade Gold Stripe Thermal Mug - Perfect for heading to work or class with coffee in tow. Plus, it's only $18! I will take one filled with Reese's cups, please.

Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour - Every girl needs a red Chanel lipstick. 

Kendra Scott Elle Earrings - These vibrant earrings will add a pop to any of her outfits and come in tons of different colors.

Kate Spade 'Heart' Leather Coin Purse - Is it obvious Kate Spade is queen of Valentine's Day yet? You can't go wrong with this coin purse, which is perfectly fitting for the holiday.

Hunter Original Tall Gloss Boot - Another closet must-have that she can enjoy for years to come. This pair is on sale for only $104! I may be placing an order later...

What are you giving this Valentine's Day? What are you wishing for...

TGIF and thanks for reading!

Dreaming of Spring...

• one • two • three  • four • five • six •

While I love the big sweaters, boots, and white hot chocolates that come with winter, the cold can get pretty dreary and depressing after a while. And even though it's only January, I'm still thinking of flowers blooming, bright colors, and *gasp* sunshine! Today I decided to share some of my favorite colorful items that have me dreaming of spring...

I am so in love with the two gorgeous bags on this list! The scalloped tote from Kate Spade is the prettiest bag ever and the perfect size! And the Rebecca Minkoff tassel crossbody is a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit! I will possibly look into getting one this spring...

I've also been drying for some Hunter boots. I still don't have a pair! These pink ones are so vibrant and perfect for those spring showers. My favorite color is actually on sale right now in the Classic finish!

Below are some of my favorite springy pictures from Pinterest...

Are you feeling the spring fever yet?

Are you ready for spring? What are your springtime must-haves?

Thanks for reading!

My Blogger Inspirations + A Message

Like pretty much every fashion blogger, I was inspired to create my own blog by reading other blogs. Seeing other girls like me expressing their style through fashion and sharing their passion with the world definitely inspired me and still inspires me!

For today's post, I'm sharing three my favorite bloggers. They not only have great style, but are great writers and very inspirational to my journey as a blogger and inspire me to keep dreaming big.

1. Wesley from Have a Wesley Day

This lovely lady and fellow Alabamian was the number one inspiration for me to start my blog. Not only does she have the most adorable, classy style and gorgeous photos, but she's a fantastic writer and super smart! Pretty much every post she makes gives me an awesome piece of advice that really resonates with me. Her posts always give me a ton of encouragement to keep following my dreams and shooting for the moon.

2. Caitlin from Southern Curls & Pearls

Ever since I discovered this blog, I have been practically obsessed with it! Her posts are my go-to for fashion inspiration and adding new items to my ever-expanding wishlist. Her outfits are easy to recreate and perfect for the everyday fashionista. It's also really cool to read her older posts and see how far her blog has come since then. And her hair is #goals, of course.

3. Morgan from Mostly Morgan 
When I need help on improving my blog and making it awesome, I turn to Morgan, the boss-lady from Mostly Morgan. She's gives the best advice on everything from school to blogging to life in general. This blog probably wouldn't exist without her!

These three ladies, as I have said many times throughout the post, are huge inspirations not only for my blogging, but for life in general. They inspire me to never give up and keep following my dreams. But while the encouragement from these awesome women is a huge driving force, it's up to me to forge my own path to success.

When it comes to blogging, there are two major issues I often face: comparison and caring too much about what others think.

Sometimes it's hard to not compare your level of success and achievement with others'--trust me, I know. It can be a struggle to not get envious when you see someone living what seems to be the dream life, not just when it comes to blogging, but pretty much anything in life. But comparison will kill you. We all come from different circumstances and have different stories. And our paths to success are all different, as a result. It's easy to feel hopeless and give up on your dreams, but it's rewarding to do the opposite. When life gives you every reason to give up, show life who's boss. Keep working hard. Keep following your dreams. And the reward will be that much sweeter in the end.
Another challenge I face as a blogger is caring about what others think. Being a fashion blogger is a fair bit of work no matter where you live, but....I live in Alabama. Now don't get me wrong, I love Alabama and it will always be my home. But it's safe to say that it wouldn't be considered the most fashionable state. There aren't many fashion bloggers and as a result, there are very few resources and  local opportunities for us here, even in my hometown, Birmingham. And to be honest, I don't feel like any kind of "creative" career path is taken seriously sometimes, especially where I live now, in rural Alabama. I shouldn't have to feel embarrassed when telling people I'm majoring in fashion merchandising or dressing up to roam around town when everyone else is wearing jeans and a t-shirt. But then I think to myself, "I should be proud to stand out." And it's true! You can be yourself and do what makes you happy no matter where life puts you. And why not be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons? (Or however the saying goes...)

*drops mic*

Who are you inspirations? What's your favorite bit of advice?
Be sure to check out these awesome ladies and have a blessed Sunday!

Totally Tortoise

hoops / / chain link bracelet / / studs / / bangles {skinny}{midi}{chunky} / / bobby pins

It isn't just for sunglasses anymore! Without a doubt, tortoiseshell is my number one obsession of the moment. And who can blame me? It's such a classic, beautiful pattern that goes with pretty much any outfit. Just adding one of these gorgeous pieces to your outfit will instantly give it a sophisticated touch and will instantly upgrade your jewelry collection. Here are my faves!

Judson & Co. Tortoise Hoops - Upgrade the outdated hoops trend with a pair in a tortoise finish!

Baublebar Pavé Link Tortoise Shell Bracelet - Baublebar's famous pavé link bracelet, with a twist.

Kate Spade Small Square Stud Earrings - You can never have enough Kate Spade studs...or anything, for that matter.

BaubleBar Tortoise Bangles - Wear them individually or stack 'em!

Charming charlie Tortoise Bobby Pins - For a tiny pop of tortoiseshell in any outfit.


I am so adding that Baublebar link bracelet to my wishlist!

What's your take on tortoise? Current obsession of the moment? 
Thanks for reading!