Book Review: There's Cake in My Future

Kindle version here; Paper version here

I'm so excited to introduce a new element to Girl Meets Bow- book reviews! I absolutely love reading, and have always been a bookworm, so it will be fun to share my current reads with you as well as what I do/don't recommend. Since this is my first review, please let me know your thoughts on the format and if there is any additional information you'd like to see! 

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Currently Obsessing Over... {v. 44}

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Fri-YAY I am so happy to see you!! It's been a nice week (I know that sounds like the blandest adjective ever but it's the only way to describe it!) and I finally feel settled back in after all my travel. There may be a hurricane headed to Florida on Monday- so I know I'll need to weekend to prep for that! Fingers crossed it's not as bad as they say ;)

{ONE}
When I helped my sister with her back-to-school shopping I came across this romper but it was already sold out in my size in stores. Since that fateful day I have been not so patiently waiting for it to come out online and lucky day it has! I'm wild about the print (it's even prettier in person) & the sleeves (perfect for transitioning to fall). Scoop it up before it's gone again!

{TWO}

I bought this sweater last season from J. Crew and it looks like J. Crew Factory has brought it back for another hurrah- and y'all I couldn't be more excited to see it back! I have it in both a light gray and maroon version and I wore it all the time last fall- in fact it's one of the pieces I'm most excited about breaking out again when the weather cools! If you like what you see, you can scoop it up on sale here :)

{THREE}
I love following along with April of A.Liz Adventures, and this week she posted about the sweetest opportunity to honor one of our nation's veterans. If our veterans tug at your heartstrings (like they tug at mine) please take a moment and find out how you can love and support a very special one.

{FOUR}
I think you know by now that I am all about an easy, comfy swing dress and this striped dress from Loft has my name written all over it! With wedges now and booties later, it's the perfect dress for "the transition" time that's coming!

{FIVE}
I was recently contacted about a wonderful fundraiser in Orlando called "Passion for Fashion"  which will benefit Ovarian Cancer Research. The event began two years ago after Cheryl Bright lost her mother to ovarian cancer and she decided to spread awareness regarding detection and to also raise funds for research. I can't imagine losing my mother, but I'm inspired that Cheryl is finding a way to help others! I wish I was in Orlando to attend this amazing evening, so if you are more local I'd encourage you to join in an evening of fashion and philanthropy.

I hope you have some fun plans this weekend! I'm pumped to be meeting with my photographer this weekend to shoot some new outfits for the blog (it's been almost 6 weeks since our schedules matched up) and I have so many looks I'm dying to share with you!

Thanks so much for stopping in and have a fabulous day! XO

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Instagram Roundup

Y'all had such positive feedback to my previous Instagram roundup that I thought it would be fun to do another one! I've been trying to post more of my #ootd on insta so you can see my daily looks and/or pieces that don't make it on the blog. It's so much fun for me to share these with you- let me know if there is ever anything else you want to see! 

Dress: Old Navy (love this & it's almost 50% off) // Wedges: Tory Burch // Coffee Cup: Starbucks (very similar)

Dress: Ellen and Ollie (sold out, similar) // Sandals: Sole Society (50% off!) // Mug: Lilly Pulitzer // Tote: Barrington Gifts (obsessed!)

Tank: Tracy Negoshian // Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer (love this option) // Mug: Ashley Brooke Designs

My dress: Fiore Boutique (under $40!) // Mannequin's Dress: Fiore

Top: Lilly Pulitzer // Jeans: Loft Curvy Skinny // Flats: Tory Burch ℅ Shopbop // Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer

Dress: Loft // Necklace: ℅ Happiness Boutique // Wedges: Banana Republic {Full Post coming soon!}

Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful Thursday! Y'all rock! XO

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Travel Tuesday: Asheville, NC

I'm warning you in advance that this is going to be a picture heavy post, but I had such an amazing time in Asheville that I don't want to miss out on sharing a single detail! About two weeks ago 7 of my college girlfriends and I flew in from across the country to meet in Asheville, NC for three fun-filled days of catching up, exploring, sight-seeing, and girl time! It was truly the perfect trip and I am insanely thankful the the Lord put these women in my life, exactly when I needed them, and they continue to be such a positive force in my life. 

Now let's get to sightseeing! :) 

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Navy Stripes

While most people consider black the building block of their wardrobe, I consider navy mine- it takes up at least half of my closet! I love that it's a less harsh color than black (i'm forever in a state of losing my tan and I don't need that being pointed out but the color I wear ;) ) but it mixes and matches just as easily as black does. It's kind of the perfect color!

Today's look combines all that I love, navy and stripes! As the summer is winding down this is a great casual work look or a weekend brunch look (it's Monday and I'm clearly already dreaming of the weekend!) As y'all know, I have this skirt in about 600 colors and I don't see that trend stopping anytime soon ;) This is the absolute perfect skirt for mixing and matching, and come fall you'll see me rocking it with tons of different tee + boot combinations- it's a 2 step look that's so. dang. easy!

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Currently Obsessing Over... {v. 43}

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This week was the first week that I didn't have a meeting every night after work, and I have to tell you that it felt so very good! I've forgotten what it was like to have free time- it's the best thing ever! :) I got to take my favorite Zumba classes and went for a long run- glorious y'all!

This good mood mean I have famously fun things to share with y'all! So here's all the goodies that caught my eye this week (and trust me… you're going to LOVE #5! hint: it's for YOU!)

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Romping in the Mountains

Do you ever have one of those weekends you wish you could live over and over again? That was my girl's trip to Asheville 2 weeks ago! I made the most wonderful memories with my best friends and all I want to say is #takemeback ! So excuse me if I stretch out the sharing of my trip a little bit, I'm just trying to savor the sweet weekend :) Today is a peek at what I wore on our first day of sightseeing. The weather was pretty picture-perfect so I took advantage and wore my new Tracy Negoshian romper (so comfy!) and toted my new Barrington Bag (fits everything and more!) and pretty much had the best afternoon ever :) 

PS- how gorgeous was the view from our cabin? We spent each morning drinking coffee and hot tubbing on the porch and soaking it all in!

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Back to School with Fiore Boutique

Today I am so excited to share with you the event I co-hosted with Fiore Boutique on Saturday! I was thrilled when their sweet store manager, Lindsay, reached out to me about working together. Basically I got to do what I love the most- hang out with the most darling staff and chat with the coolest customers about clothing and styling! Most of the girls shopping were prepping for rush weeks, so it was a blast helping them pick out their looks! And it was fun meeting so many incoming Gator girls too :) #GoGators #ItsGreatUF 

I can't thank the Fiore team enough for their hospitality and making Saturday a day to remember (they even let me style their mannequins)! Enjoy this look at their store and make sure you tell them I sent you over ;) 

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Anchors on the Beach

So how did everyone make out at the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale yesterday? I lucked out by only being 2,000 in line (which by all accounts is pretty fab!) and only missed two items on my wish list (that were sold out everywhere) so I am one happy gal! What did you pick up? Any crazy stories?! If you haven't shopped the sale yet, you're in luck because it goes runs until midnight tonight! #GetYourShoppingOn :)

Now on to today's look… I love dressing for my surroundings, so it was a no-brainer to pull out my nautical maxi for a day at the beach! This dress is one of my favorites in my closet because it never fails to make me feel beautiful (and that is how your clothes should always make you feel)!

Also, I wanted to let you know that I'm going to try and start replying to comments through email rather than on the blog so that you get notifications/emails and I can answer questions more in depth! So, make sure when you comment you are not set up as a "no-reply" blogger so that you can get my response :) Let me know if you have a preference as to how comments are replied to (on the blog or through email)- I'm all ears :)

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The Scoop on Lilly Pulitzer's After-Party Sale!!

There's some rumblin' in the jungle that the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale will be here Monday, August 17th! I don't know about you, but that sure gets my heart racing with excitement!! If you've shopped the sale before, you know it can be a little bit of a mad-house, so I'm sharing my tips to shop it successfully and with the least amount of stress possible :) 

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Currently Obsessing Over… {v. 42}

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So it's seriously been a hot minute since I did one of my weekly roundups and I have lots of fun to share with y'all! I had a great week this week getting back into the swing of things at work after my trip (I've been feeling crazy motivated to be at the top of my game)! I also discovered some amazing new products to bring in for my job (I think most of you know, but for those that don't:  I am a buyer for a jewelry company so my days consist of choosing the product lines to bring in for my company to sell). It's so fun to discover emerging talents!

Now here are all the things I've been obsessing over this week:

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Black and White Mixed Stripes

If you've been hanging with me for a bit this summer, than you know that besides rompers, swing dresses have been my jam this season (as evidenced here and here). Well like the good friend that I am I have another fabulous one to share with you today (I can't keep all this goodness to myself)! Even better news is that this dress is under $20 with the code "SWEETDEAL" (see I told you I was a good friend :) ) !

In other super-exciting news… Scandal season 4 is now on Netflix! I started watching a few months ago & got super obsessed! Now I'm racing to catch up on season 4 so that I'm ready when it comes back September 24th. #byefreetime  Any other gladiators out there?!

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Scalloped Details

It's always a tiny bit of a bummer sharing Ellen & Ollie dress with y'all because as much as I love them they are no longer available :( (I'm not sure what happened but I think the company went out of business as they sold off all their dresses for $12 this Spring which is when I stocked up!) BUT, I do love to share bright colors and patterns as I hope it inspires you to add a jolt of color into your week! 

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Prepping for Fall

Fall fashion Gentry… for real?! I know, I know… it's a hundred degrees outside and I'm chatting about  fall! But fall fashions have started to hit stores, and now I'm DYING for the leaves to change and the temps to drop. Since I can't wear any of these pieces now (#thanksFlorida) I can at least get my closet ready (and you can too!) This is my go-to look for fall & winter (since they are one and the same in FL). Have you started prepping for the next season for yet?

J. Crew Excursion Vest // Saks Flower Studs // Plaid Tunic // Ditto Jeans // Vera Bradley Tote // Target Booties

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Pool Party

I'm baccckkk!! I had the absolute best time in Asheville with my girlfriends and although it is nice to be home, I'm missing my friends like woah and cherishing the precious memories we made! I'm working through all my pictures from the trip, so you can be sure I will be sharing them all soon! 

Today I'm sharing a simple, fun romper that is perfect for any end of summer shenanigans you have coming up! I love the crisp white background and the pop of bright details along the top! It doesn't take much to accessorize this look, and sometimes that's exactly how I like it! #sorrynotsorry

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Sunday Scripture

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Want more Faith talk? Click here to read a fabulous devotional that won't disappoint! It takes less than 5 minutes to read and will leave you thinking. Thanks to my mom for sharing it with me!

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Instagram Round-Up

Since I'm away today playing in the mountains, I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of some of my #OOTD's that may not make it to the blog, but have made an appearance on Instagram. If you have any questions I don't answer please let me know :) Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful day!

Dress: Boohoo (similar) // Tote: Barrington Gifts (I'm obsessed!) // Bangle: Kate Spade (similar) // Fitbit Charge HR // Necklace: RJ Graziano // Sandals: Sam Edelman Gigi

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Wheels Up!

I'm so excited today to head off to Asheville, NC for my annual girl's trip with my college best friends! We have such a fun itinerary planned and I can't wait to squeeze all my love bugs! Excitingly, today I'm chatting all about the trip with my girl Julie Leah in her "Let's Go There!" series; so, if you want the scoop on everything I packed and what we're doing, then check it out here! 

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Boating Blues

So who watched "After Paradise" last night?! What do we all think about this random after show?? I'm guessing there is going to be a WHOLE new level of drama this season if we have to have a weekly talk show to digest it… and that's just fine with me ;) 

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Loft Medallion Romper

I think you can tell from the pictures, but I had so much fun shooting this outfit! The beach is totally my happy place (and wearing a romper on the beach is double the fun)! And how can one not smile huge when wearing a big floppy sunhat?! Literally, all these factors make it impossible to frown! :) 

Did any of y'all watch the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise last night? I can already see all the train wrecks coming (hellooooo... Ashley I) but there are some adorable cast members there (Tanner I'm looking at you)! I'm also so excited to see Tenley again- she is one of my favorites on the show and I was so sad when Kiptyn broke her heart. I hope she find love on #BIP! Who do you love so far?

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Sunday Scripture + Thoughts

I absolutely cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and well wishes while I took a brief personal break! It seriously meant the world to me that y'all took time to send some prayers and good thoughts my way. This little space of the net means so much to me and y'all keep it kind, happy, and so special!

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Let's Celebrate! {National Girlfriends Day}

My girlfriends mean the world to me; seriously, these gals have been with me through thick and thin and I couldn't imagine life without their love and support! We all met within our first year of college at the University of Florida, and were pretty much inseparable from the word go. Even today we remain close, taking a yearly "girls trip" and celebrating each of our life milestones! (In fact, I'm headed to Asheville, NC next week with these lovies!)That's why I'm so excited to take part in National Girlfriends Day and help celebrate these special women!

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