Love Thy Neighbor: Hurricane Harvey Resources and Relief Efforts

Image via Lilly Pulitzer's Instagram

Well friends, this week has been a heavy one for me- so many emotions! First, I cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support on this instagram post. Hurricane Harvey has been so very heavy on my heart (as a Floridian who has lived through my fair share of hurricanes I know how devastating these storms are- and I haven't even had the experiences that they are going through in Texas). It just didn't seem right to keep talking about dresses and sales without acknowledging that there is a national disaster happening in our country- as asking myself how I could help. Y'all moved me to tears with your kind & heartfelt responses- I'm blown away by your hearts to give, serve, and love our neighbors! Thank you for inspiring me even more!

So, with that said, many of y'all asked how you could help and what was needed. I am by no means an expert, so I rounded up some phenomenal lists of resources & needs from both local residents & national organizations. I also have been blown away by the companies & local women who have stepped up and are donating a portion (or ALL) of their proceeds to the Hurricane Harvey disaster relief funds, so I rounded up a list of these items for you as well! 

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Let's Shop! Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale (With Fit and Sizing Info)!

Lilly Pulitzer Stella Shift Dress (runs big- wearing size 2)

{SHOP THE SALE}

Alright y'all, for us Lilly lovers today is the Super Bowl of shopping: the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale!! Depending on when you're reading this, you could be fueling up with lots of coffee, stuck in that darn virtual line, or skipping off into your day with a full cart (and empty wallet)! 

If you are still trying to decide what to purchase & how pieces fit- I've got you covered! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite pieces from Lilly's recent collections (most should be included in the sale even if they are different prints). Of course I want to make this the easiest shopping experience ever for you, so if you have any questions about fit, style, or sizing I am here to help!

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Casual & Cool Weekend Vibes

Denim Jacket: Loft || White Tee: Loft || Shorts: J. Crew Factory Boardwalk Shorts || Sandals: c/o Oka-B || Necklace: c/o Shop Kismet (under $30!) || Tote Bag: c/o Nautica || Apple Watch with this band

Happy happy Friday friends! Sarah Hunt and I had the best time last night meeting so many of y'all at our Girl's Night Out! Sipping and shopping is always my idea of a good time :) Per usual, I ended up staying out later than planned (y'all are just so much fun!) so it's a 3rd cup of coffee for me today!

I recently got these fun, nautical sandals and they were just begging to be paired with some white & blue. We may be past the 4th of July but I still love me some Americana style! Although true life friends, putting on this denim jacket in the heat of Florida in August- OMG! I was sweltering! But that's what we do in the name of style, right? When I was recently in NY I grabbed this festive tote bag & it was a perfect pairing with this outfit. I just love when things come together!

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Everything You Need to Know About the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party Sale!!

Lilly Pulitzer Klea Romper (wearing size medium)

We'll I have some news that is about to make your Thursday REAL exciting... the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party sale is confirmed for August 28-30!!!! Yes friends it's true, the best sale of the year will be here at 8am on Monday-Wednesday of next week!! (And we have an extra day to shop this time)

Y'all have let me know that my tips have been helpful in prepping you to navigate this one-of-a-kind sale, so without further ado here are my tips for the After-Party Sale:

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Dough-Nut Worry, Be Happy!

Dress: c/o Britt Ryan (on sale for 50% off!) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Earrings: RJ Graziano (similar here too) || Apple watch with this band

It's hump day y'all! What better way to celebrate than doughnuts?! ;)

This week has flown by in a blur. I've had junior league meetings every night that have gone to almost 10pm- so it has left little time for anything else (to say the least)! On top of that, I'm gearing up for my fun girl's night out tomorrow with So Sarah Hunt & Tracy Negoshian- local peeps I hope you can make it! Oh yeah... and that thing called a "j-o-b!" ha. WHEW!

So yes friends, doughnuts are certainly necessary today! When I was down in Anna Maria two weeks ago, Emily insisted that the Doughnut Experiment was a must-visit place on the island and she was right! All the doughnuts are fresh-made to order- meaning you can pick and topping, and icing, and have the doughnut of your dreams. Goodness y'all... it was heavenly!! 

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The Little Things

Top: c/o Make Me Chic || Shorts: J. Crew Factory || Clutch: Sophie & Trey (old, similar here) || Earrings: c/o Shop Kismet || Apple Watch with this band || Sandals: Sam Edelman Gigi 

Welcome friends and happy Monday! Who is excited to start a fresh new week?? This past weekend was the first one I was in town for in what feels like forever, and it was so refreshing to catch-up on life, run errands, & see friends. While I am so thankful for all the traveling I have been able to do this year (and more to come) sometimes you just need some low-key time. Thankful I refueled the past few days!

I find that August is always a hard month for me fashion-ways. Down here in FL it's pretty much the hottest month of the year (I see you 100 degree heat index!) but retails are clearance-ing out the summer styles to make way for fall (say what?!). My instagram becomes a sea of "I can't wait for PSLs and pumpkins" while i'm here in the sunshine state trying not to sweat my makeup off! #Truth. So how is a girl to dress? 

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Workweek Chic: Sassy Skirts for the Office + You're Invited!!

Top: Express (old, almost exact option here) || Skirt: J. Crew (on major sale!!) || Heels: Target (similar) || Clutch: BP || Apple watch with this band || Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties

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Long Overdue Instagram Round-Up

You know what they say about the best laid plans...

I've been really trying to diversify my content on each of my social platforms so that if you read the blog and follow along with my social channels you're not getting the same content over and over. But, that means that if you're strictly a blog reader you may not always see the fun on Instagram (& vice versa!) So today I thought it would be fun to share some of my recent(ish) Instagrams & the details you may have missed due to that pesky algorithm!

As always, if you have any questions about fit/sizing/purchasing/etc please let me know! I'm an open book :)

Dress: Who What Wear for Target || Wedges: Steve Madden (old, great option here) || Necklace: Fab'rik South Tampa (similar option)

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The Perfect Getaway Dress

Dress: c/o Britt Ryan (on sale for 50% off!) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Seashell Purse: Amazon (only $30!) || Apple Watch with this band || Earrings: HSN (almost exact here)

I've come to the conclusion that there are two types of people in the world- over packers and under packers. I'm sure it only takes you about point five seconds to place me squarely in the over-packer camp! ;) Ever since I was a little girl I would stuff my luggage to max capacity & then pout when I couldn't fit my additional purchases in once on vacation (and not much has changed!) ha. However, now that my travel schedule has revved up and I'm gone at least once a month, this jet-setter doesn't have time to deal with all the unpacking that is the byproduct of over-packing!

Luckily, I've found the most darling line that solves ALL your problems (or at least answers, "what do I wear on a tropical vacation?"). Enter, Britt Ryan! Colorful, fun, bright, happy & a little sassy... that both sums up my style & Britt's. The second I opened this palm print dress I knew it was begging to be worn on my girl's trip to Anna Maria (sidetone: how amazing is the house I found which perfectly matched my look!!). Anna Maria is such a colorful island- you can't wear dull clothing! Since I knew I was going to wear this dress it eliminated the need to pack 1001 options in my weekender bag- this dress beat out any other choice!

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Showing Some Shoulder

Top: LOFT (on sale + extra 40% off!) || Shorts: J. Crew Factory || Clutch: Shandy Style Boutique (similar here) || Apple Watch with this band || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals 

Welcome to a new week y'all! 

I am coming off the BEST girl's weekend and having the hardest time getting back into the swing of things! How is it that work weeks can drag by and then vacations FLY by?? #NotFair. But I am beyond thankful for the time I had with my best girls this weekend! We spend 3 1/2 days in Anna Maria Island and it was straight up heavenly (I'll have a fun post on what we did soon!)- there's nothing better than that sun, the sand, drinks in our hands & quality time with your gals. 

Also, my best friend Ashley GOT ENGAGED this weekend!!!! Eek! Between the girl's trip and finding out I'm going to be maid of honor, this was seriously three days for the books! :)

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Happy Little Finds to Brighten Your Day!

Happy Friday y'all! I was pursuing Etsy the other day and found myself adding to my wishlist like crazy. Then I realized (surprise, surprise) that all my finds were bright & colorful! And I just started getting so stinking' happy looking at them... and I didn't want to keep the happy to myself! :) So today I'm sharing all my happy little finds in hopes that it adds some cheer to your Fri-YAY too!

Tassel Bracelets || Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Headband || Colorful Tassel Earrings || Lemon-Printed Clutch || Pink Bon-Bon Style Earrings || Aqua and Orange Tassel Earrings || Monogrammed Burlap Clutch || Monogrammed Wine Tumbler || Pom Pom Necklace

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Introducing: Tashmopolitan Couture + Choosing Community

Tee: Target (on sale for $6!) || Skirt: gifted Tashmopolitan Couture (follow Tasha on Instagram here) ||  Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne || Apple Watch with this band || Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties

Oh friends, I have so much of my heart to share with you today!

Let's start from the beginning... blogging can be a lonely hobby. When I first started Girl Meets Bow I didn't know anyone else who had a blog or even was local to the area. As much as I loved this little space of mine, for a girl who thrives being around people, it was hard to pour so much effort into a solo venture. 

And then I slowly started making "e-friends" (other bloggers who weren't local!) and a community started to form. And as I spent time growing these relationships, I found myself getting re-inspired and re-invigored each day I sat down to work on the blog! See the amazing thing was, the more I supported and encouraged others, the more I found myself inspired. 

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Q&A With Girl Meets Bow

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Del Lago Tunic Dress || Clutch: old, option here || Apple Watch 42mm with this band || Bangles: Bourbon & Bowties || Tassel Earrings: similar

Hey Friends! Happy happy Monday!

As you're reading this post I'm jetting off to NYC for three days in the city for market week. There is supposed to be some serious thunderstorms today, but the clear skies the rest of the trip- and I'm looking forward to a break from the sweltering heat!

Last week I did a fun Q&A guest post on So Sarah Hunt's blog, but I realized that there are lots of new faces around here (hiiii friends!!!) so it would be just as fun to "introduce" myself again here too! Sound fun? Let's get started!

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Oh Shello!

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Stella Shift Dress (Print also available in this dress) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Purse: J. McLaughlin (borrowed) || Bangles: Bourbon & Bowties || Apple Watch with this band || Earrings: RJ Graziano (under $25!)

These pictures are some of my favorites I've taken lately, because I think you can so easily see how happy I am (and have been) lately! One of my foundational values for Girl Meets Bow is that I want it to be a destination that makes getting dressed the most fun part of your day. It sounds kind of cheesy, but I really do believe that when you love your outfit it lights up something in you that just radiates throughout your day! Well friends, when I reach for this darling shift dress- I light up like a Christmas tree!

This beach girl's heart went pitter patter when I laid eyes on the seashell print- it's too much fun & such gorgeous colors! Lilly never spares any details, and the lace trim on the neckline and sides it the perfect finishing touch. And need I tell you how swoon-worthy the bows are?? I think y'all know me pretty well by now and no doubt know how much I love them!

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Workweek Chic: All Shades of Blue

Top: J. Crew Factory (old, great option here) || Skirt: J. Crew (on SALE and in-stock in all sizes!) || Wedges: Tory Burch || Apple Watch with this band || Gold Bangle: Kate Spade

Well y'all, it has been a HOT minute since I shared a workweek look here on the blog, but I am thrilled to say that work style is back here on Girl Meets Bow!! I think for the past few months I've been pretty uninspired by my workweek wardrobe, which means that it's been hard to find pretty new pieces to share with y'all. But that's changing today! 

Lately I have been on a skirt-buying kick, which has given me all sorts of inspiration for my work week! Let's take today's double stripe skirt shall we? I'm such a sucker for a good stripe, and the alternate stripes on this piece are too much fun! For these pictures I decided to keep it "neutral" an pair it with a coordinating shade of blue, but a crisp white oxford or blouse, or a bold pop of color would also be beautiful! Since the skirt is cotton though, you could also dress it down for your weekends with a casual tee and sandals. It really is a skirt that will "do it all!" (Which is what I need in my wardrobe!) 

What's your favorite piece you've bought lately for work?

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Recent Market Trips: JCK Las Vegas and AmericasMart Atlanta

Arriving at the Mandaly Bay for JCK Las Vegas show!

I've been lucky enough to go on some really fun buying trips for work lately, and although I've been sharing the trips on Instastories I know that that isn't everyone's cup of tea, so I thought it would also be fun to share more about those travel experiences here too! 

Unfortunately, one of the first rules at these shows is that you cannot take pictures in the exhibits/halls (without permission from the vendor) - so unfortunately I don't have nearly as many photos as I would like! But I hope that these small glimpses into my day job give you even more insight into what I do and how I find product for my lines. 

PS- if you're wondering what it is I do (I'm a jewelry buyer!) you can learn more about it in this post!

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