Beach Days

Tee Shirt: Old Navy (similar here) // Shorts: Loft (similar here and here) // Flats: c/o Oka-B Astera (Get 20% off with code "OKABGIRL16") // Cross-body: Danielle Nicole (same shape but bigger size)

A few weeks ago my Aunt, Uncle, cousin, & grandma came to stay at Madiera Beach which is right down the road for me; since I was actually free that weekend I was able to hop over and visit! While I was there I was able to catch an absolutely gorgeous sunset #FloridaPerks 

I've had this tee and shorts forever (in fact I styled them forever ago on the blog) but adding coral color pops in my bag and flats made this outfit feel fresh and new! And since my Oka-B flats are totally washable and waterproof- they are the perfect companions for the beach :) 

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The Preppy Look for Less

One of the things I most wanted to do when starting my blog was share brands that I "discovered" (or at the very least weren't mainstream yet!) I love shopping with local or up and coming designers, and what's more fun than sharing these fab finds with your friends?! So, today I'm super excited to share one of my up-and-coming favorite brands with you, Crown & Ivy! Crown & Ivy is a proprietary brand found exclusively at Belk (a southern department store) and they are beyond preppy and fun! I love that they have timeless and classic silhouettes in cheeky patterns (like the bee print dress below). Most of the price points are under $100- which is just wonderful! Have you ever shopped Crown & Ivy before?

Bee Printed Dress // Giraffe Printed Halter Top // Bee Bangle // Elephant Shift Dress // Flamingo Bangle // Flamingo Halter Top // Flamingo Fit and Flare Dress // Elephant Shorts

Hope your Wednesday is a wonderful one! We're halfway through the week!!

Disclaimer: This post was in no way sponsored by Belk or Crown & Ivy, I just love them a whole bunch and wanted to share them with my readers! 

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Factory New Arrivals

Oh J.Crew Factory, why must you test my willpower so strongly?! I was doing so very good on my spending freeze until you came along with your charming new fall arrivals! And as if you weren't being cruel enough- then you made them 30% off! This has got to stop...

Novelty Quilted Puffer Vest ($75.50)

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Lobster Season

Happy Tuesday y'all!

I fell hard for this lobster sweater the minute I saw it pop up at J.Crew Factory- navy is without a doubt one of my go-to wardrobe colors, and the cute lil lobster made the nautical-lover in me clap with happiness! I know I mentioned this "City Mini" skirt previously, but seriously y'all it is the perfect skirt! It is just the right length to wear for work and play and so flattering to your figure- I can't wait to add more colors of it to my closet.

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Stripes + Anchors

Has there ever been any pattern more perfect than a stripe? Don't get me wrong, I love my polka dots, chevrons, and plaid, but nothing speaks to me quite like a classic stripe. I love that this dress has me daydreaming of boat rides and afternoons with my toes dipped in the pool (even though the temps lately had me wishing I was bundled up in flannel)!

To keep with my nautical state-of-mind I added this adorable anchor-patterned scarf from the cutest lil boutique, Mayzie's, in Lakeland, FL - seriously y'all HAVE to check them out if you are in the area! I could spend a fortune in there! 

After a fun weekend in Scottsdale I am happy to be back in action with y'all (and catching up on sleep)! I have some fun posts in store coming up... so make sure you are staying tuned! 

{To keep in the loop follow me on Instagram @girlmeetsbow or on Bloglovin- link in right sidebar}

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Droppin' Anchor

Y'all! Old Navy's new arrivals are driving me bananas- in the best way possible! For a nautical lover like me, I am in heaven, because they have literally covered every piece of clothing in anchors! It's like a dream come true!

Now onto the outfit at hand... as soon as I saw this adorable sweater in the "new arrivals" section I snapped it right up! I have been seeing layering all over the place this season, seems every single blogger is layering a sweater over a button up (and adding a statement necklace of course). Well I just didn't think it was for me- don't get me wrong, it looks ah-dorable on everyone else, but I was afraid with my short new do it wouldn't read quite "girly" enough. Well I was sure wrong- as soon as I gave layering a try I fell head-over-heels in LOVE! What a fun, preppy, classic look! I can't get enough!

Is there a trend out there you are afraid to try? Let me encourage you to give it a try! At worst, its a good laugh (been there, done that), and at best its a new way to wear pieces you love. Take a chance!

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Bookworm

I know that Kindles, Nooks, and iPads are all the rage these days for reading, but I am an "old-fashioned" girl when it comes to books- I love 'em bound and in my hand! There is just something about opening a musty book from the library, diving into an enrolling story, and spending your Saturday morning curled up reading cover-to-cover that makes me so very happy!

I spent many an afternoon growing up weaving my way through the shelves of my local library, reading back covers and picking the stories I was going to take home with me. I just love being there! Taking these pictures was like a throwback to my youth and it was so much fun. I think you can tell from my smile that Gentry + Shelves of Books = a happy girl!

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A Favorite: Pink + Navy

I know I'm not the only girl out there who has those days when I don't know what to wear. For someone who is constantly thinking about clothes, there are still times when I can't put two pieces together! So what do you do when your closet it stumping you? For me, I go to my favorites- whether it is a favorite piece, or in today's case, a favorite color combination!

I love, love, love, pink and navy together. There is something about the two colors that is so nautical, preppy, and classic (three looks I love). Whenever I am standing in front of my closet and struggling with outfit ideas I go to this color-combination and without a doubt I am always able to pull out a fun look!

What do you do when you are asking the eternal questions... What should I wear?

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Feeling Nauti(cal)

I have long become known in my group of girlfriends as a "Nauti Girl". Now before you think any crazy thoughts... it's because I love all things nautical! :) Seahorses, lobsters, crabs, and of course the classic anchor make my heart go all aflutter!

As soon as this anchor sweater went live on J.Crew Factory I knew I would have to add it to my ever-growing collection of nautical motif clothing! Since I bought the sweater this fall, I wanted to find a way to wear it in the colder weather. Pairing it with a skirt, tights, and boots keeps it preppy but still keeps me warm in the Florida chill.

PS- If you can't tell... I am a bookworm at heart! I start off every morning with a big mug of coffee, my bible study, and then a great book. Shooting by this fabulous bookshelf was one of my favorite locations to date!

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Collegiate Style

Although it has been a few years since I graduated from my beloved University of Florida (GO GATORS) I continue to have a soft spot for preppy, collegiate style. When I was in college the dress code was more often than not VS Pink Sweatpants and a Gators t-shirt, but oh what I wouldn't give to go back now and attend classes with a popped collar and argyle vest!

Somedays I still like to pretend I am 21 and trotting off to class (rather than almost 26 and trotting off to the office)! To me this outfit is the quintessential "collegiate chic" and it is sure fun to wear it and reminisce about the good 'ol days.

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