Sunday Scripture: Last of 2017!

 Happy Sunday and happy last day of 2017! I can think of no greater way to sign off on the end of one year and welcome another than by looking to the sweet words of the bible.

Friends, if there is anything that I have learned this year, it's most definitely that God can do WHATEVER he wants- and He can do it WHENEVER he wants to do it. There are many circumstances that have happened in which I was tempted to give myself credit or conversely blame "life"- but the Lord has shown me that is is His path & provisions that have both paved my steps and stopped me from veering in the wrong direction.

0

2017: The Year in Review

Happy Friday (and the last Friday of 2017)!! I know I keep saying it, but I really can't believe this year is coming to a close. It has been such a year of learning, growth, strengthening, & faith and I am truly grateful for each and every experience! 

It is so much fun to look back on the year and see all that I have gone through. I'm grateful that this blog, besides a fun place to share fashion & finds, also serves as a diary of sorts! There will be so much more to come in 2018, but for now let's take a walk down memory lane...

JANUARY

One of the posts I am most proud of was this one On Embracing Confidence.

8

What I Bought from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Halogen Mixed Media Ruffle Shift Dress (Size XS- 40% off!)

Hey girlfriends! Long time no chat! I think I knew the holidays were going to be busy, but I had no idea how much it would knock me out of my routine. I got back to St Pete yesterday and am now playing catch up on everything- but I'm excited to be back with y'all!

After all the work of preparing for Christmas and the holidays, it's always hard to come back to reality- they truly are the most wonderful time of the year! I really wanted to savor this season and soak up time with my family & friends- and it was just joyful!

But you know a great way to recover from the post-Christmas blues?! Shopping all the great sales that are currently running!! Today I'm going to share what I picked up from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale (warning: SO many great finds 40-50% off!) as well as some of the other great sales going on. Let's get to the fun!

4

Merry Christmas!

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." 

(Matthew 1:23)

Oh happy day sweet friends- it's Christmas! This is such a special day in which we celebrate the birth  of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The older I get the more I truly have begun to comprehend that the very best gifts of all are my family, friends, and Lord. The "stuff" is simply that- stuff. But having a God who loves me enough to send his son for payment of my sins? Priceless.

6

Dear Santa...

Jacket: Loft (sold out, almost exact) || Tee: Zuilly (gift) || Shorts: J. Crew Factory || Tote Bag: c/o Honeymoon Hats || Sunglasses: c/o Diff Eyewear || Shoes: Converse || Apple Watch with this band

I feel like today's post has to come with a big disclaimer, something along the lines of "I'm not a crazy nut... it really is 85 degrees in Florida & shorts are all that don't make me sweat!" (Or you know, something like that!) ;) 

Last Sunday some of my favorite gal pals and I did a peddle pub boat ride called "Kraken" here in St Pete and I knew between the sun and the peddling I would need to stay cool- so out came the shorts! I added this hilarious tee that my bestie, Abby, got for me for Christmas (she so knows my love of early 2000s hip hop) and of course this "Dear Santa" bag was the perfect finishing touch. Megan is SO talented and makes the cutest hats and bags for every occasion! They are the most festive touch!

3

Gifting with Girl Meets Bow: For the Dogs & Mamas!

Striped Dog Wine Bag (on sale for 40% off) || Sparkle Dog Sweater || Blackwatch Plaid Collar & Leash || Gold Dog Tape Dispenser || Scottie Dog Wine Stopper (on sale for 40% off)

Adoption Day Ornament || Striped Dog Bed || Plaid Dog Bowl || Dog Grooming Shampoo

Spotted Dog Slippers || Co-Pilot Tee || Dogeared Necklace

I know I say this every single gift guide... but this one really was so much fun to put together! I'm sure it's because I'm a dog-mama myself, but there is nothing like the sweet snuggles of our furry friends. So, I wanted to make sure to put together a fun gift guide to treat those sweet four-legged family members as well as the dog-mamas who care for them.

9

Last Minute Holiday Look + My Favorite Netflix Christmas Movies

Off the Shoulder Top: Loft (only $10!!!) || Pants: Loft || Earrings: c/o The Knotty Tassel || Heels: Target || Clutch: Nordstrom || Apple Watch with this band

Happy Monday sweet friends! Can you believe we are in the one week countdown until Christmas?! I'm kind of freaking out over here (so many gifts still to get!) - I even have a holiday party tonight that I STILL don't have a gift for or a dish that I need to make. Yeah, I'm well aware that it's less than 12 hours away! #NotEnoughHoursInTheDay #OrWeekend

14

The Best Tunic Under $30

Tunic: Lush (Under $30!) || Vest: Loft || Jeans: J.Crew Toothpick || Booties: Vince Camuto (similar) || Monogram Necklace: Moon & Lola || Apple Watch with this band

Hey y'all!! Happy Thursday/Friday Eve :) This week has been a total whirlwind- between finishing up Christmas shopping, crazy days at work, and nightly Christmas parties and events- I feel like I can't catch my breath! #TisTheSeason I guess?!

Any who, it's been super fun weather lately for us Floridians because it's actually been chilly! I've been able to bundle up & wear layers, which is pretty novel around here! It's actually been hard to dress for, because we get so few cold days and I have so many pieces that I want to squish into the week of chilly weather! ha. 

10

Gifting with Girl Meets Bow: Stocking Stuffers + $1000 Giveaway!

1. Pineapple Phone Charger || 2. Scripture Cards || 3. Baublebar Tassel Earrings || 4. Gold Swell Bottle 

5. Kate Spade Business Card Holder || 6. Ted Baker Stationary Set || 7. Kate Spade Pink Bangle (other color options available) || 8. Pineapple Ornament || 9. Sugarfina Bubbly Bears

10. Charger Organizer Bag || 11. Coasters || 12. Flamingo Ornament 

13. Pink Teleties & Gold Teleties || 14. Clarins Hand Lotion

Hey y'all! I can hardly believe that Christmas is only 13 days away (oh em gee!!) which means that gifting season is winding down- and this is my second to last gift guide! I hope that you have had as much fun shopping them as I have had putting them together!

8

A Perfectly Pink Striped Sweater

Sweater: LOFT (on sale!) || White Jeans: Loft (run tts) || Booties: Vince Camuto (this year's version linked) || Clutch: Nordstrom (similar) || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch

Welcome to a brand new week y'all! Did you have a great weekend? Mine was B-U-S-Y... from a Juice Beauty Influencer event Friday, to a Saturday morning volunteering & Saturday night Christmas party with friends, to a Sunday spent with Santa- it was full of all the Christmas feels! :) 

I also made a good dent in my Christmas gift list, and at an unexpected place! I popped into TJ Maxx for one thing... and somehow picked up 5 gifts! Mine had just gotten a huge Kate Spade shipment in and I was able to get notepads, planners, notebooks, water bottles & coffee mugs for some of my favorite fashionistas! It was a total win- so if you're looking for some great gifts definitely see if your's is stocked up too! 

13

A $10 Top for Now and Later

Off-the-Shoulder Top: Loft ($10!!!) || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Booties: Vince Camuto (this year's version) || Clutch: c/o Vera Bradley || Tassel Earrings: similar style

Can I get a high five for Friday my friends?! YES! As I'm sure you can imagine, Q4 (Oct-Dec) is peak selling season in retail and work has been bonkers. I feel like my days are flying by and I blink & it's Monday and then I blink & it's Friday! But i'm definitely not complaining that the weekend is here. Bring on the happy hours!

Now it's not often that I tell y'all to stop everything you're doing and check out this top... but stop everything you're doing and check out this top! Let's start with the #1 selling factor: it's $10- yeah I can't believe it either. My friend Sarah encouraged my to pick it up last time we were shopping & I am so happy that I did! While it works perfectly now with jeans and booties, I can totally see it in the Spring with shorts and converse tennis shoes (come on Spring)! 

6

Faux Fur for the Win

Ruffle Top: Gibson || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Boots: Sam Edelman "Penny" Riding Boot (my favorite) || Fur Vest: local boutique (almost exact) || Necklace: Joan Boyce (similar) 

Y'all know I have love upon love for these ruffle sleeve tops- if you don't own one yet you are so missing out! The shape is extremely flattering, there are a million colors to choose from (orange I'm looking at you next!)  & they ring up under $50! Winner, winner :) 

I think this blush pink is just such a pretty shade for the winter season (can we all give an amen that winter pink is a thing this year) and I challenged myself to use this top as a focal point for a "winter date night" look. Since obviously you have to bundle up as the temps drop, I thought that adding a luxurious layer of (faux) fur was the perfect way to make this top say "I'm here for dinner AND drinks!" ha. Dazzling jewelry helps pop the outfit too!

9

Gifting with Girl Meets Bow: For the Lilly Pulitzer Lover

Elephant Pillow || Candle in a Jar || Phone Case || Velour Robe || Paradise Bound Packing Bags || Ceramic Mug || Infinity Scarf

Beach Towel || Hat || Cosmetic Bag

Luxletic Leggings || Cocktail Shaker || Flip Flops || Pajama Pants || Weekender Packable Bag

As I'm sure y'all can guess, today's gift guide was WAY too much fun for me to put together! There is literally nothing in this post that I would be sad if Santa brought me... it's all so colorful and fun! One of the things I love most about Lilly Pulitzer, is that when you use one of her pieces (or wear one of her dresses) it just makes you happy! Like goofy-grin-on-your-face happy! And in today's crazy and ever changing world, I certainly think we could all use that kind of happy. So whether you're shopping for a Lilly girl, or just a girlfriend who could use a colorful gift, I hope these ideas help you with your shopping!

8

Two Holiday Looks to Win Your Next Soiree

I don't know about y'all, but one minute my December calendar was nice and light on commitments- and the next it was FULL of parties, luncheons, gift exchanges, and celebrations! Now, don't get me wrong, I love the season of celebrating and spending time with all my favorite people, but inevitably I start to panic about finding the perfect outfit for each occasion (#FirstWorldProblem - I know!) 

Luckily, I found Julie Brown NYC just in time to avoid panic this year! What I love the most about this collection is that we share the same affinity for bright colors & bold prints- even in the winter- so picking out holiday looks that match my style personality was so much fun!

18

Sunday Scripture

If you know original source let me know

This is one of my favorite verses to remind me to "stay the course"- and not give up. The Lord has such a unique plan for my life- and yours- and if we give up in the middle, then we won't reap the rewards of the amazing plan He has for us! So keep forging ahead friends & do not grow weary. There are so many wonderful things ahead!

3

Holiday Cheer

Sweater: Gibson (Sold out, similar here) || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Booties: Vince Camuto || Earrings: Fab'rik (almost exact) || Apple Watch with this band || Bangle: Kate Spade

It's hard to believe that today is the first day of December! I feel like I say this every month, but 2017 is FLYING by and I can't believe we are only 31 days from ringing in the new year! eek!

Knowing that the most special time of the year is upon us got me really thinking about how to fully embrace & savor the holiday season. So I put together a little list of how to add "holiday cheer" into my life for the next month and I hope that it will give y'all some inspiration too!

6

Shake Your Pom Pom!

Sweater: Banana Republic || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Vince Camuto (this year's version) || Tassel Earrings: Fab'rik (similar here) || Clutch: Nordstrom (50% off!)

How's your week going friends? Last night I attended "Boutiques and Bubbles" which is a shopping event around St Pete with proceeds supporting the Junior League. It was so fun to catch up with my friends- and pick up a few gifts for some more people on my list! And one of the shops served cocktails in an ornament- it was the cutest ever!

12

Gifting with Girl Meets Bow: For the Monogrammed Girl

1. Pink Seersucker Garment Bag || 2. Floral Coffee Mug || 3. Valet Tray || 4. Gray Sherpa Pullover || 5. Pink Jewelry Tray || 6. Camel Field Jacket || 7. Plaid Baseball Hat || 8. Navy Earrings || 9. Barrington Gifts Tote || 10. Plaid Flats || 11. Blue Seersucker Apron 

Welcome to the next edition of "Gifting with Girl Meets Bow"- and I'm sure it's not a surprise that this is one of my most favorite editions yet because it's all about that monogram!! Next to fried foods, monograms are a southern girl's love language- and I speak it fluently! ;) 

I wanted to make sure to put this guide together for those ladies in your life who love a monogram too. Since these pieces are customized it often takes a little extra time to ship- so now is the time to order! Remember: "if it's not moving, monogram it!"

5

Let's Bundle Up!

Sweater: J. Crew Factory || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Monogrammed Duck Boots: c/o Marley Lilly || Blanket Scarf: Marley Lilly || Apple Watch with this band 

Happy Monday love bugs! How was your holiday weekend? I was home with my family until Saturday and it was such fun to spend some quality time with them. My sister was home from college at University of Florida and I loved getting to catch up and hear all her stories- it made me miss being 19! I was also proud of my self-control during Black Friday... there were so many good sales but I was responsible and only picked up a few deals that were too good to miss! And then of course I started checking people off my Christmas list- I'm determined to not wait until the last minute this year (#WishMeLuck).

So now we're here- beginning another new week (#SendCoffee) and getting back into our "normal" routines! I'm pretty excited that the temps have dropped for a few days and it means that I can bundle up (that's pretty novel here in FL!) :) I'm still in love with blanket scarves and so glad that they are no longer just "trend" and are now a seasonal staple! My new favorite winter accessory though is my monogrammed duck boots from Marley Lilly!! I have always wanted to add a pair to my closet, but hesitated to pull the trigger until this pair rolled up into my life! Now? I'm obsessed! This particular pair was a gift with purchase during Marley Lilly's Black Friday promotion, but luckily they have a few other adorable pairs in stock (and I kind of want to order another pair!) :) 

7

What I Bought From the Black Friday Sales

When I asked over on IG stories if y'all wanted a Black Friday haul I got a resounding "YES!" I know I always think it's fun to see what everyone picked up from the sales, so I'm pretty excited to share what I scored too :) 

In the spirit of sharing I'd also LOVE to see what you picked up- so leave me a note in the comments and share your finds!

1

Dressing Room Diaries: The Best Black Friday Sales

Pink Sweater  (wearing size small) || Mosaic Skirt (wearing size 6)

Happy happy Black Friday friends!! I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed quality time with your friends and family. I always have so much fun each year shopping the major sales on Black Friday through Cyber Monday- and this year the sales are definitely not lacking! In order to help you shop better, I headed to the mall last weekend and tried on a few favorites that I'll be sharing below today! 

I hope that today's post will serve as a resource throughout the weekend for y'all to find the best sales, products, & ideas to kick off the holiday season! As always, if you have requests or need additional sizing information please let me know- I love helping you find pieces that you love :)

2

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving friends! 

Aside from Christmas, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year, because it feels like the world just pauses while we stop & give thanks for all the goodness in our lives. I know that for some of y'all this year may have been harder than others or it may have been better than year's past; whatever 2017 has brought your way it is my hope that you have much to be thankful for and many reasons to celebrate today! 

1

Red Roses

Top: LOFT (on sale + additional 40% off with code "GIFTITUP") || Jean: J. Crew Toothpick || Boots: Sam Edelman Penny Boot (I wear the wide calf) || Clutch: Nordstrom (on sale for under $13) || Apple watch with this band

Happy {almost} turkey day! I'm headed home today to see my family & spend the holiday with them and I can't wait for some quality time with everyone! Even though I'm only 2 hours away from my family, I don't see them nearly as often as I would like due to my crazy schedule so I always look forward to long weekends like this one!  (plus, #turkeyandpumpkinpie)

7

Gifting with Girl Meets Bow: For the Cocktail Queen

Top: Cocktail Shaker || Rose Wine Glass || Wine Bags || Rose Carry-On Kit

Middle: Snowflake Wine Stopper || Celebrate Tray || Wine Charms

Bottom: Bubbly Coffee Mug || Champagne Opener || Cocktail Book

Welcome to the next edition of my gift guide series- for the cocktail queen! Is there anything more fun than gathering your girls, pouring the vino, and chatting all night?! I think not! So today's guide is for the girl who always has a bottle of bubbly on hand & knows the importance of sharing it with her best gals!

Keep reading to see why I love all 10 of these gifts!

5

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Day Sweater + A GIVEAWAY!!!

Sweater: Banana Republic (40% off plus extra 10% if you have a BR Card!) || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Boots: Sam Edelman Penny Boot (I wear the wide calf) || Necklace: HSN (similar here)

It's one of my favorite weeks of the year- Thanksgiving week! I took the whole week off (bless it!) and I'm not headed home until Wednesday so I have two whole days to get all the things done that I never have time to otherwise :) I'm coming for you cleaning to-do list... ha! 

9

Holiday Party Style with Caroline Dawn

Top: c/o Caroline Dawn || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch || Clutch: c/o Vera Bradley || Heels: Target (old, similar here)

The season of holiday parties is here- Just this week alone I got three invitations for the coming few weeks, and I know there are more on the way! I don't know about you, but the first thing I start to think about is, "What am I going to wear?!" since we all know how many pictures are going to be taken! But, being a gal on a budget, that's why I want to pick and choose the pieces I pick up for the holidays. Enter this pretty & sweet Caroline Dawn Harper top! Founded in Charleston, you can definitely see the southern influence in her collection - and y'all know thats right up my alley!

I paired this look with jeans & heels, but you could easily add booties or tall boots when the temps (finally) drop! Oh, and just a fun note about this pretty clutch: It's RFID capable, so you don't have to worry about people walking by and scanning your credit cards (which happens more often than you think). It's also got more pockets & spaces to keep you organized than any other clutch in my wardrobe- definitely add it to your Christmas list!

27

Holiday Gift Guide Launch! Gifts for Her Under $25

Gray Beanie || Marble Phone Case || Mantra Band Bangle Bracelet || Pajamas (20% off!)

Plaid Scarf || Luggage Tag || Plaid Blanket

Nest Candle || Stila Lipgloss Trio || "Hey Sugar" Coffee Mug

Woo-hoo friends- the holiday season is HERE & I for one cannot contain my excitement! I absolutely love Thanksgiving and Christmas and the joy that permeates the air and the streets! Can you feel the holiday spirit?! 

Today we are kicking off my holiday gift guide series and I'm thrilled! I know I'm not the only budget-conscious babe out there (I have so many people on my list!) so today's gift guide is filled with great gift ideas that won't break the bank and are under $25! (Some as low as $4!!!) That's right y'all- these gifts are perfect for so many people on your list! 

Keep reading to find out why I love each one and who I'm shopping them for...

{SHOP THE POST}

13

Travel Diary: Los Angeles Girl's Weekend!

My dress: Karlie Clothing via Scout and Molly's Hyde Park

A few weeks ago I headed to Los Angeles for a super fun girl's weekend- and I'm thrilled to bring my travel diary with you today! This was only my second time in LA and there was so much I wanted to see/do- and although we snuck a TON of activities in, there is still so much more! 

LA is such an interesting city- diverse pockets of culture, restaurants, & shopping. Each city/area we visited was more unique and beautiful than the last! I loved Malibu- talk about a dream town (but when you see the pictures you will totally understand why!

Angie, Stephanie, & I all met when we worked at Payless ShoeSource in their HQ in Kansas almost seven (!!) years ago. We were all in long-distance relationships at the time and instantly bonded, sharing many a margarita at happy hour and some pretty fabulous memories! Life took us all to different areas of the country (California, Chicago, & Florida) but we work hard to keep in touch and maintain our friendship. This weekend worked out so perfectly because it also happened to be Angie's 30th birthday weekend! We were so happy to be able to celebrate together!

Alright, let's travel to Los Angeles! 

9

Punchy Pineapples

Dress: c/o Tracy Negoshian || Vest: Old Navy || Booties: Target (old, super similar & under $35) || Apple Watch with this band || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch

Happy Monday! What a fun weekend I had around here! Saturday I was lucky enough to co-host the Scout and Molly's first anniversary party and y'all it was a BLAST! There is nothing I love more than getting to meet y'all in person and hug your sweet necks- and how fun it was! Of course I also loved that Sarah and I were able to grab lunch at Bar Taco (do you have one in your area?). I tried the pork belly bowl for the first time and it was amazing!

Sunday I volunteered at church (love my darling one year olds!) and then my aunt & I shot 14 new looks for the blog! Yep, that's a ton of new content headed your way! It was on and off pouring rain most of the day, so we were dashing into storefronts & hiding under awnings while trying to get the perfect shots. It was kind of a crazy day!

10

Happy First Anniversary Scout & Molly's!

Happy Friday y'all! I'm so sorry this space has been quiet this week. With traveling to NY and taking care of thing in my personal life, there just weren't enough hours in the day to "do it all!" (I know you can feel me!) But I love being back (sort-of) in the swing of things and I'm so excited to share a fun party with you today!

6

Colorful Fall Fashion with Lilly Pulitzer

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Zanna Dress (similar style here) || Jacket: Loft || Necklace: c/o Chic Happens || Boots: Target (old, similar) || Apple Watch with this band || Bangle: Kate Spade

Welcome to a happy new week friends! Per usual, I'm on the road again & left for NYC last night for my final market week trip of the year. It's supposed to be only 50 degrees while I'm up there so I'm excited to bundle up and really experience some cold weather! I've got the cutest head wrap picked out to keep my ears warm :) Check out the fun of the week on Instagram- you know I'll be sharing as I go along!

12

October Book Reviews

Happy Friday friends! As I mentioned on IG last night... this week might be driving me to indulge in an extra glass of wine (or two)! But in instead of wallowing in the crazy- let's talk about something more fun! Today I'm sharing my October reads & my reviews. Luckily I had a long flight to LA and back which gave me plenty of time to find some great new books! Let's dive in shall we?

11

Happy November: My First Holiday Outfit of the Season!

Vest: c/o Marley Lilly || Plaid Shirt: J. Crew Factory || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Booties: Vince Camuto (old, similar here) || Monogram Necklace: Moon & Lola || Apple Watch with this band

It's the first day of November & the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year! There's a chill in the air, Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, & a hum of festive spirit that I can't get enough of. The next two months are going to be so much fun y'all!

17

Event Recap: Cocktails and Couture

BB Dakota Calvin Dress

Happy Halloween! This is not my favorite holiday of the year (I'm always afraid if I dress up in costume I'll have an Elle Woods at the Wine Party moment)- but I do love seeing pictures of my friend's little ones all dressed up on my Facebook! 

Today I thought it would be super fun to do a mini event recap of a fun event I was lucky to be a part of: the Junior League of St Petersburg Cocktails & Couture Fashion Show! My blonde blogger better half, So Sarah Hunt was my co-host for the evening- and of course we had a ball! Talking about fashion, over cocktails? You know we were "in" from the word go!

5

The Must-Have Plaid Poncho

Poncho: Loft || White Tee: J. Crew || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Target

Happy Monday friends! This weekend was absolute heaven here in Florida! We finally got some fall weather and it was (is) glorious!! Yesterday I went for brunch with one of my friends and her sweet baby girl and we were able to sit outside and then walk all around downtown- we even had to add an extra layer because it was so chilly! We also baked some yummy fall treats- Oreo Truffle Balls! Although I learned I am SO bad at doing the chocolate dipping! ha.

7

Sunday Scripture

via

In my bible study we are still working our way through "Silver Refined" which is all about how God uses trials in our lives to refine us, shape us, and make us more like Jesus. One of the notes I wrote in the margin this week continues to stick with me and I though someone else might need it too: "our trials are not going to look like anyone else's, but then neither will our blessings." 

Think about that y'all! God is so good that he knows just the lessons we need to learn and the hardships that will shape us. But he also knows exactly what our hearts & lives need to experience joy! There is no point in comparing our lives to others, because there is no benchline for what our blessings and trials "should" look like. Each of us has a unique set of experiences picked out for us! 

I don't know about you, but what peace and comfort that brings me! 

Happy Sunday!

0

Preppy Fall Style

Dress: Talbots (from the outlet, love this option) || Booties: Vince Camuto (old, super similar) || Necklace: c/o Lisi Lerch || Clutch: Shandy Style (great option)

I'm just going to tell it like it is, y'all are going to FLIP out when you see where this dress is from! One of my best girlfriends will stop into any store for a great deal, and a few weeks ago we went shopping at the local outlets for a maternity dress (for her baby shower) and she dragged me into Talbots of all places! Although I was resisting (and OK teasing her a little bit for shopping there!) this dress totally stopped me in my tracks! 

I love love love classic, preppy style and this dress totally encapsulates that "Martha's Vineyard" vibe that I gravitate towards in the fall. Also, let's talk about how hard it is to layer shirts (am I the only one on the struggle bus with this?!); so I love that this dress gives that layered look without any of the fuss or work!

4

My Favorite Statement Sweaters

Sweater: Halogen || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Vince Camuto || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch

Hey y'all! WOW I am so sorry that I ended up taking a week-long hiatus from the blog! I took an amazing trip to Cali (eek I can't wait to share!!) and all the prep + travel meant that the blog needed a bit of a break. But I'm so so so excited to be "back in action" today!

One of the words that I love using to describe my wardrobe is "fun!" It is my steadfast belief that when you are having fun in what you wear, then you convey a happiness that can't be denied! That kind of spirit is pretty infectious to others around you as well :)

That's why I'm loving that so many sweaters this season are what I consider "statement sweaters." From ruffles, to bows, To cold shoulders (and somethings all three!) I'm loving the personality and pizzaz that is on the clothing shelves this season!  When I saw the striped ruffle on today's look I was instantly smitten y'all! Just that little detail takes this look from an everyday navy staple, to something unique and head- turning! White jeans are the perfect base layer to let this look pop! 

10

Gray Days with Marley Lilly

Pullover: c/o Marley Lilly || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick || Shoes: Nike || Monogram Necklace: Moon and Lola

Yesterday we had our first rainy day in weeks, and seriously it made me dream of staying home and curling up with a BIG cup of coffee and a good book! But alas, I had to head in to work (I had a huge project to present - and thankfully it went great!) 

But when there are gray day & I still need to be out and about- I turn to my favorite monogram shop- Marley Lilly! Did you know they Marley Lilly creates their own custom pieces with the cutest monogram detailing? You know I'm smitten over personal touches! As the temperatures continue to drop, I know I will be reaching for this pullover more & more.... because let's just all agree that fall is ALL about the snuggles!

14

Bridging the Gap

Ever had so much anticipation about something that your literally jumping for joy by the time it finally gets here? Yep, that's how I feel about today's post! And trust me y'all... you are going to want to read all the way to the end because the story I'm about to share is both inspiring AND chill inducing!

5

Your Vote Counts: What Should I Wear?

Happy Monday my sweet fashionistas! I'm excited to share today's post because I need YOUR help to dress me!

On October 28th my blogging gal pal So Sarah Hunt and I are teaming up to co-MC the Junior League of St Petersburg "Couture & Cocktails" fashion show! We are so excited to work together and share our love of fashion and local boutiques- there are so many great ones popping up every day in St Pete! Since I know not all of y'all can attend in person, I still wanted to find a way to get you involved... so I figured what better way then picking my outfit for MC-ing?! 

It's pretty simple... I'm sharing my favorite look from each of the three boutiques in the fashion show, and all you have to do is comment and tell me which one is your favorite for me! (Leave a comment and let me know what I should wear) The "voting" will be open until Friday & then I'll announce the winning look. Oh, and there may or may not be a fun surprise giveaway that one person will win for commenting... ;) Fun all around!

Now let's get that voting started...

25

The Power of One

Dress: c/o Collyn Raye || Boots: Steve Madden (old, love these!) || Clutch: Marley Lilly (another monogrammed option) || Pearl Necklace: Stella and Dot (option here) || Apple Watch

Happy Friday friends! Once again my week has been crazy & I'm really thankful to have a few days to decompress from the stress. Especially since I'm headed to LA (!!!) next week!! Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited? ha!

Before we get to all that though, there is something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and that is the power of one. The power of one person to make a difference. The power of one smile to turn around a day. The power of one apology to heal old wounds.

8

My First Pair of White Jeans

Tunic: Lilly Pulitzer Tilda Tunic (love the Kalissa Tunic & Del Lago which are both almost identical!) || Jeans: Loft || Sandals: Jack Rogers (similar) || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch || Clutch: BP (sold out, but love this one on sale for under $13!) || Apple watch with this band

I cannot believe that it has taken me 29 years to finally get a pair of white jeans in my life! I've always loved the look of them, but I know how klutzy I can be... #hellospills. I decided to "conquer my fears" this year and pick up my first pair- and now I have no idea what has taken me so long! Paired with bright prints it is such a fresh and crisp look for your wardrobe & makes pieces feel fresh and new.

14

One Black Dress, Five Short Days...

If you feel led to support the JLSP, you can donate to our campaign here

Hello hello friends! I could be more excited to share today's post with you because it's deeply personal AND y'all are going to get to meet some amazing ladies!

From September 25-29 I joined 76 inspiring women in the Junior League of St Petersburg to answer a seemingly simple question, "Can wearing one black dress, for five short days, help make a difference in the lives of other?" While you may be wondering how in the world it can- I can attest to the life-changing effects of the week (and the Little Black Dress Initiative)!

The premise of the week was fairly simple: each participant wears the same black dress for 5 days with a button that reads, "Ask me about my dress." Through wearing the same dress the participants begin to understand what it is like to live in poverty & the toll that it takes on your self-esteem as well as the frustrations from having no options due to lack of resources. In turn, the button encourages friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers to ask about what you are doing and gives you a platform to not only talk about the issues happening in Pinellas County/St Petersburg, but also allows us to share how the Junior League is helping to combat each of the issues and is working for the good of our community. It was a powerful week y'all!

4