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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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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!

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Wear Pink and Make 'Em Wink

Top: Nordstrom (comes in tons of colors & some are on sale!) || Jeans: J. Crew Toothpick (best jeans ever!) || Wedges: Dillards (on super sale!) || Apple Watch with this band || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch || Bangle: Kate Spade || Clutch: Betsy Johnson (gift, similar here)

Happy Monday and welcome to a brand new week!

I had the absolute best time in Gainesville this weekend (even though my poor Gators couldn't pull out that "W"); spending time with my sister and my best friend made for the most wonderful of weekends! It's feels like only yesterday I was in college, so now being back & staying with my baby sister (who is now a sophomore) is kind of crazy! She was supposed to stay little forever... why does time fly so fast??

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Homecoming in Gainesville!

Dress: Cabana Life || Shoes: c/o Oka-B (my style isn't online yet- love this option!) || Earrings: c/o Lisi Lerch || Apple Watch with this band

Can we all throw up some praise hands that it is FINALLY Friday?! Feels like it took the weekend forever to get here- and I for one need a few days of fun! A few days ago my "ABS" light went off in my jeep- and not knowing anything about cars I didn't think too much about it. But apparently it is really bad - ugh! So before I head out on my weekend adventure I will be sitting in a car dealership hoping to get it fixed quickly. 

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September Book Reviews

Y'all I have been loving this reading kick that I've been on lately- and it means lots of fun new novels to share with YOU, so I hope you've been loving it too! :) September was another great reading month and I have three awesome books to share! Spoiler alert: I recommend them all! I love it when that happens!

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Introducing: Chelseas Gunn Designs + Life Update!

Dress: Chelsea Gunn Designs || Wedges: Antonio Melani (on major sale!) || Apple Watch with this band || Coffee Mug: Evelyn Henson

Welcome to a fresh new week y'all! After a super productive weekend (hello three loads of laundry and shooting 13 new looks for the blog!) I'm feeling ready & energized to take on this week with gusto!

I have been just bursting at the seams to share some fun "life update" stuff with y'all... and today's the day!

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Sunday Scripture

I've been thinking about "loving our neighbors" a lot lately. In the world today, it seem that all wear hear about are our differences, divisive issues, & strife between those who don't see eye to eye. It's almost as if the world is encouraging us to not get along (I mean what would they cover on the news if we weren't fighting all the time?!)

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