A Summertime Girl's Night Out

Dress: Tracy Negoshian (old, love this & this one too) **Check out this flashback post to see how I wore this dress originally! || Sandals: c/o Oka-B Amina || Clutch: BP (sold out, great option)

If you've been hanging around this blog for any length of time, then you know how much I adore my girlfriends & am so thrilled when we can get together for a girl's night out! Luckily, this weekend I got a double-dose of fun; first, Friday night I went to see Lady Antebellum & Krystal and I WON meet and greet passes! It's a crazy (and kind of windy) story- but we were beside ourselves with excitement and they were sweet as could be! Saturday night, Sarah Hunt and I snapped a few photos for each other and then settled in with French 75's and a locally-sourced meal for some girl time and catch-up!

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Sunday Scripture

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Happy Sunday Friends!

This verse really hits home for me in so many ways- and hopefully it resonates with some of you too!

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that many times I have a picture in my mind of how my life is "supposed" to go & what it is "supposed" to look like. But more often than not it feels like the Lord is just laughing at that vision and saying, "silly girl." But how many of us stop listening after we hear "silly girl" and miss the most important part of the sentence... "silly girl, do you not know that my plan for you is so much greater?" 

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Ready for the Weekend with Shades of Gray

Tank: c/o Shades of Gray Boutique (get 20% off with code "GENTRY20") || Shorts: J. Crew Factory || Clutch: old, love this one! || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Necklace: Zenzii Jewelry || Apple Watch with this band

Hooray for Fri-YAY! Right my friends?! Is anyone else saying, "thank heavens" that this week is concluding?? Don't get me wrong, it's actually been a fabulous week over here in St Pete, FL, but there has been so much going on I haven't had a minute to breathe! I'm so looking forward to taking some time to catch my breath this weekend - starting with the Lady Antebellum tonight!

But before I head off to do some (super awesome) dancing tonight, I'd like to introduce you to a darling new boutique: Shades of Gray. One thing I am so inspired by is getting to meet girls who are passionately chasing their dreams- and that's exactly the story behind this boutique! Best friends since the 4th grade (so sweet), two lifelong friends decided to throw caution to the wind and follow their passion to curate an online, trendsetting fashion boutique. How many of us have dreams that we have yet to chase? I know I'm guilty! But when I hear stories like this it lights a fire under me to get to hustling- and to turning those dreams into a reality!

The sweet gals at Shades of Gray have a fun treat for y'all too: 20% off your purchase with code "GENTRY20"! With price points all under $50- looking chic has never been more affordable ;) I know my cart is already bursting with fun finds!

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Let's Catch Up! + $500 Nordstrom GIVEAWAY!

Skirt: J. Crew || Tee: old, similar here || Sandals: Sam Edelman Gigi || 42mm Apple Watch with This Band || Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties || Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne

Happy Wednesday friends! I feel like I have so much to catch up with you on- so let's get to some super random ramblings, shall we?

My girl Biana recently recommended the new show The Bold Type, and after episode 1 I was hooked! It's like a mix of Sex and the City & How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and such a fun show! It's loosely based on Joanna Coles (the Editor in Chief of Cosmo) so it's a peek behind the scenes of a women's fashion and lifestyle magazine (although let's be real- it's totally exaggerated!) - but I love it regardless. There's only three episodes so far, so still plenty of time if you want to catch up.

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"House Hunting" in Borough

 

Dress: c/o Borough "The French Quarter 3/4 Sleeve Shift" in House Hunting || Wedges: Banana Republic (old, super similar here & if you want to splurge these are SO good!) || Clutch: Sophie and Trey (old, similar here) || Bangles: Bourbon & Bowties || Apple Watch w/ This Band

If there was any city in the US I could see myself living in ASAP it would have to be Charleston. I've taken two trips there - one a 13 person girl's weekend & the other an unforgettable weekend with my bestie, Asha- and both of them rank among some of my most special memories! It's like being in the city transports me to another time and place & all my day to day worries just slide right on off as I play in the city full of southern charm! 

So you can imagine my delight when I discovered Borough- a dress & accessory line designed and handmade in Charleston, SC. Each and every one of Ashley's prints (the sweetest and most delightful owner there ever was) celebrate the "low county lifestyle" that Charleston is known for, and putting on a Borough dress transports you there! The print I picked out is called "House Hunting" and pays homage to the famous architecture in the city- especially their colorful row houses. Wearing this dress just fills me with all the memories of my times in the Holy City- and makes strutting in my Borough a special occasion :) 

What pieces in your closet are filled with special memories?

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Sunday Scripture

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I'm feeling so thankful today after coming off a wonderful & relaxing weekend with some of my very best friends. It's amazing how the Lord brought each of us together and knew that we would go through tragedies and triumphs in this life- and would need each other to get through them. Each of our personalities is so different & unique, and yet together we are perfect compliments to each other (and have SO much fun together!) I feel so grateful!

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Dressing Room Diaries: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Edition

Happy Happy Friday friends!!! Why am I so excited about today? Because today is the first day the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public- and I have my first post to share! yippee!! Last weekend Sarah & I headed to the store and couldn't stop laughing as we tried on all the things! One of the things that was most important to me was finding pieces that I didn't have to wait to wear- I mean who wants to wait three months to pull out their new purchases?! Not this girl! #InstantGratification

I can't wait to share what I found with y'all- so grab your coffee and let's hit the dressing room!

Eliza J Floral Bell Sleeve Wrap Dress (Sale- $91.90/Reg Price- $138) - Oh goodness y'all, all the heart-eyes for this one!! This is an absolutely perfect work dress- whether you work in a casual office or a more "gussied-up" one this piece is beyond perfection! Sarah works in a more formal office and me in a more fashion-oriented office and we both scooped this one up! I'm wearing a 6P.

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Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Being a Buyer

Goodness y'all, it feels like this post has been in the works forever! Without fail, whenever I mention that I am a jewelry buyer I always get tons of questions/DMs/emails asking what exactly I do & how I got into it. So today I am taking all those questions and compiling them into one mega post and spilling everything y'all have ever wanted (or may want to) know about being a buyer!

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Southern Summer: Mint Julep Boutique Floral Maxi Dress

Maxi Dress: c/o The Mint Julep Boutique || Heels: Target || Clutch: Sophie & Trey (old, similar here & on sale for $12!) || Apple Watch (I just got this new band!)

Y'all I have been stalking this dress for MONTHS- and every single time it would pop up on someone's site, inevitable it would sell out within the day! I can see why though; the romantic & girly floral pattern is so pretty and the maxi length means you can make it casual or doll it up for a fancier occasion. I also cant wait for fall to add a denim jacket for a great transitional look! When The Mint Julep Boutique reached out to work together and I saw this dress in-stock (finally!) under their new arrivals I knew I had to jump on the chance to share it with y'all! 

I know you've seen me feature several pieces from The Mint Julep before (even my family knows how much I love them- my grandma got me a romper from them for my birthday!) but I thought today would be the perfect time to tell you a little more about them. The Mint Julep is an on-trend women's online boutique which features new arrivals daily and almost everything on their site is under $50! They also recently launched monogramming- so now you can get dresses, bags, and accessories personalized! They are a perfect one-stop-shop for gifts and fun fashion finds!

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Make Me Chic: Multi Gingham OTS Top + $1,000 Giveaway Reminder!

Top: c/o Make Me Chic || Shorts: J. Crew Factory || Wedges: Banana Republic (old, similar here)

Do you ever have those pieces that just kind of sucker- punch you because they are that adorable?! That's the feeling I got when I spotted this super-playful, multi-gingham off the shoulder top... That breathless excitement that can only come when you spot the perfect piece! I focus a lot on buying "practical" pieces for my closet, things I can wear for work and play/things that are timeless and ageless, but every once in awhile you need those crazy-fun and totally impractical finds that make you smile- and friends this top is just that! 

Since it is insanely hot out here in Fl still (low 90s with over 90% humidity) I paired this top with shorts and wedges for a casual girls night out, but come fall I plan on keeping this piece in rotation by adding skinny jeans and some sassy booties! 

Tell me... What have been your favorite "sucker-punch" pieces lately? Do you love having those pieces that make you smile in your closet? 

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So Snappy!

Tank: Lilly Pulitzer So Snappy Lacy Tank || Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer So Snappy Baybreeze Shorts || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Apple Watch || Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne

Let's all give a "heck yes" to it being Friday shall we?! :) As you're reading this I'm still at Atlanta Americasmart and I'm going to guess that my feet are probably DYING after the miles of walking (literally)! This is the biggest show in the country and my boss and I are hitting every single booth looking for the next great item to bring in for the holiday season. Any guesses what we've found so far?

Alright, now let's chat Lilly Pulitzer & the must-have set you need! The past few collections from Lilly haven't done much for me, but this summer season she is pulling out all the stops (and making a big 'ol dent in my wallet)! Normally she doesn't do a lot of purple prints, but this season she created "So Snappy" (can you spot the turtles?!) and I quickly fell in love! Rather than go the traditional route of ordering a dress, I decided to purchase this tank and these shorts for a fun matching set! I love sets because you have the freedom to wear both pieces independently but you also can pair them together for a fun look too! This gives you all the look of a romper without leaving you naked when you have to you to the bathroom (#realgirltalk)! ha.

What are your thoughts on matching sets? Love 'em? Hate 'em? 

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Beach Days are the Best Days

Coverup: c/o Cabana Life || Apple Watch || Black Halter Bikini Top: Target (last year, love this option) || Sandals: Jack Rogers Georgica Jelly

No matter what worries you may have on your brain, a day at the beach just takes them all away! I'm sure it's because I grew up by the waves and sand, but that soothing ocean roar just relaxes me to my core. It's like taking a deep breathe and exhaling all those worries right out!

The Florida sun is powerful this time of year too- I mean watch out gentle skin a sunburn is coming! ha. But seriously, us ladies have to protect ourselves from those powerful rays (and potential long-term damage like wrinkles & melanoma) so I love packing this festive Cabana life cover-up in my beach bag! Y'all know how much I love this company- not only are their pieces cute & on-trend, but they all have 50 SPF protection built in. I mean are my little tassel details not adorable?

Where do you go when you're clearing your brain? What's your special spot?

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The Colorful Romper Your Closet Needs! + A $1000 GIVEAWAY

Romper: Lilly Pulitzer Klea Romper (can also be found here) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Tassel Earring: Fab'rik South Tampa || Clutch: Sophie & Trey (old, similar option here- under $25!) || Apple Watch

Hey y'all! There is not better way to start off a brand new week than this bright & happy romper! Summertime is basically synonymous with Lilly Pulitzer and I was smitten the moment I saw this brand new romper! As I'm sure you ladies can agree, off the shoulder tops can be hard to wear (hello limited range of arm motion)- so I love a sassy cold-shoulder! Another winning factor of this piece? The breathable cotton fabric (can I get an ah-men?)! This girl doesn't enjoy sweating in a poly-blend ;) All you need are some lightweight tassel earrings & your favorite sandals and you're ready for a day downtown. I'm definitely ready for more summer fun to come!

PS- Keep reading to the end of this post for an AMAZING $1000 giveaway!! Eek! So much fun!

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The Sweetest Bows for Summer

Tank: Ann Taylor Loft (runs large- size down!) || Shorts: J. Crew Factory (my new favorite shorts!) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Apple Watch || Pearls: Imperial Pearls (Sold out, similar option here)

Happy Friday my sweet friends! I'm so thrilled that another weekend is here- it may have only been a three day week, but my job sure packed a punch and I need a happy hour asap! :) I'm meeting up with my favorite gal-pal downtown tonight for some jewelry shopping (yes to sparkles!) and then those coveted cocktails! And tomorrow my godson's 5th birthday is happening and I can't wait to celebrate that sweet boy! PS- any gift ideas for a 5 year old boy?! :)

Now on to my newest and swoon-worthiest top! If there was any color that I would consider a "neutral" in my wardrobe it would be blue; and mixed with white it is just as classic as can be. So as soon as I spotted this tank I was transported to Cape Cod, and breezy summer days, and let's be real... we all need some pieces in our closet that transport us when we wear them! :) And come on, can you even with those oversize bows?! I can't! (insert all the heart-eyes!)

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Wear This || Drink That (vol. 2)

Today seemed like the perfect day to share this casual & sweet summertime look! Is there anything that says summertime more than watermelons? I think not! :) In the spirit of this steamy summer weather, I put together a Saturday look that you can rock to brunch or running around town - and be warned you will definitely grab attention with this standout skirt! Also, I'm swooning over that clutch- it totally looks like a designer bag and yet rings in at $35!!! I have no doubt that this won't last long!

Also, make sure to keep reading for an easy & refreshing watermelon mojito recipe to match this look!

Scalloped Cami: J. Crew Factory || Skirt: J. Crew Factory || Beaded Bracelets: Bourbon and Bowties || Clutch: B.P (Y'all this designer look-alike is under $35!!) || Sandals: Steve Madden

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Summer Loving in Loft

Romper: Loft (runs TTS, loving this option too) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne || Clutch: Marley Lilly (option 1/option 2) || Apple Watch

I think it's pretty clear that I'm having a major love affair with the Loft this season. Their fall collection may have been a bit of a dud, but they totally made up for it with all the goodness this spring & summer! One part of the collection I haven't shopped a ton? The Beach line; and after scooping up this darling printed romper I am wondering why! 

If you haven't shopped the beach collection before, then I'll give you the heads up that it's lighter weight materials than their regular line - since it's made for the beach! But what I adore about it is that even thought it's light weight it's NOT see through- so it's pretty perfect for summer in Florida! (Or really any steamy state this time of year). The fluttery back on this romper gives it a little something extra too- and it's unique details like that which make me swoon! I jazzed it up here for daytime, but you can easily throw this over your swimsuit and be on your way too.

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