SOCIAL MEDIA

8.31.2016

Fall Shades

Dress: Nordstrom Rack (almost identical here), Hat: Hinge, Booties: Vince Camuto, Choker: Stephan & Co. via Nordstrom Rack (couldn't find online but this one is almost identical)
Happy Wednesday y'all! I am SO beyond excited that this weekend is going to be a long one. I don't know about you but having that one extra day makes SUCH a big difference. I'm so glad everyone is liking the new lay-out. Something I found so interesting with the new lay-out was how it populates my most "popular posts" on the side and 2 of them are my fitness posts! I know I've been majorly slacking on the "sweating for the wedding" series. Working out slowed down when we moved into the new house but I actually joined a new gym about a month and a half ago and I have been going really consistently since! I'll definitely do an updated work-out post on Friday with some progress updates.

I found this dress at Nordstrom rack and am in LOVE with the color. It photographs way more purple/plum but in person it's actually a super deep burgundy color. It has a cute criss-cross detail in the back and I actually linked an adorable dress that's almost identical with the criss-cross in the front! I have my eye on that one in olive. Dresses like these are so easy to throw on and style for fall. I think it will look so cute with a moto jacket and OTK boots when the weather gets a little cooler!

[Linking up with Summer StyleLayers & Lipstick, Mix & Match Fashion]
8.29.2016

White Cut-Out & the Perfect Jeans

Blouse: Madewell, Jeans: Paige Denim, Flats: New Look via ASOS, Necklace: Baublebar (old, similar here), Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies: Karen Walker
Happy Monday lovies! Hope you had a fabulous weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston, Layers & Lipstick, Style Elixir, and Trend Spin for today's post! First and foremost, I hope you guys like the blog's new look--I am so happy with how it turned out! I was in the mood to sort of "re-brand" everything and this new template was a perfect fit.

This weekend was super fun and relaxing. Friday night, we just stayed in and watched movies because Steven didn't get home from work until late. Saturday, I got to meet up with Rachel and it was so much fun! She is an absolute sweetheart and it's sort of crazy how much we have in common. So glad I got to meet a fellow blogger in NoVA! When I got back, Steven and I went to get acai bowls then we picked up the materials for our dining table. I don't think I mentioned this yet, but Steven is actually going to build our dining table! He's super handy and I was struggling to find one I really loved that wasn't several thousand dollars. This way we can get the look I'm going for (hopefully) for only a couple hundred! I think I'm going to blog the whole process in case any of you guys are moving and like to DIY.

This top from Madewell is just the cutest. It's business in the front and party in the back! I love the structure and silhouette of the blouse but especially love the cut-out back detail. Also, these flats from ASOS are my new favorites. They're only $13 and I love that they're nude with a little bit of a blush undertone. They're also INCREDIBLY comfortable. I highly recommend! Lastly, these Paige Denim dark wash jeans are a new addition and I couldn't be more in love. I was looking for a very dark pair and you guys know I'm all about Paige jeans. They are the perfect fit and length on me and if you're in the market, definitely check them out! You can also find discounted Paige denim at Nordstrom Rack (just a tip)!
8.26.2016

Favorite Fall Lipsticks


Happy Friday loves! Hope you had a great week and have some fun weekend plans ahead! Tonight I think Steven and I are going to go out for dinner--there are SO many restaurants around our house that we've never tried before and there is one that's right on this little lake nearby that I think we want to check out. Saturday, early morning, I'm trying out the farmer's market near our house then during the day I'm actually meeting up with Rachel from A Blonde's Moment for coffee and I'm so excited! Rachel and I discovered through our blogs that we live SUPER close to each other which is so neat. I love how blogging connects people! Sunday will just be errand day and blog shoots!

Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite lipsticks for fall. Linking up with Amanda from Meet at The Barre! During fall and winter, I am SO into the brown/mauve lipstick trend as I'm sure many of you are. I pretty much wear these colors year round because I think they're pretty flattering on brunettes. Light pinks and really pale nudes look horrible on me so I always stick to neutrals that have a rosey/mauve or brown undertone. Also, the two lipliners I almost always pair with these are Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in "Iconic Nude" and Mac "Whirl."
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in "Honeycomb" (very brown nude--glossy finish)

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in "Very Victoria" (more true matte brown nude)

Bobbi Brown Lipstick in "Roseberry" (this one is a more berry/red tone)

Nars Audacious Lipstick in "Barbara" (this is probably my all-time favorite! Perfect brown nude--not too brown for every day wear)

Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color in "Rose Brown" (gorgeous mix between mauve and brown)

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lolita" (I know everyone talks about this one...but it's worth the hype!)

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Would love to hear your plans in the comments! 
8.24.2016

Aztec Print Dress

Dress: Ecote via Urban Outfitters, Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Happy Hump Day darlings! Is anyone else enjoying this cooler weather?! In the mornings, it is already starting to feel like fall and I am loving it. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago I definitely would have said I wanted a few more months of summer but it has been so darn hot and humid that I'm ready for that fall weather! On another note--I've decided that the month of September is going to be a no-buy (with the exception of items for the wedding). I was doing so well with saving but all the awesome fall products have been catching my eye and it's been so hard to resist. I'm going to go the whole month of September with no clothing/accessory/beauty purchases. Wish me luck!

I bought this dress from Urban when we were in Santa Barbara and one of my best friends bought it in the "Ivory" print. I am SO in love with it!  I was planning on saving it for a bridal shower but I think most of my showers are going to be in February/March so it will definitely be WAY too cold for this dress. Speaking of dresses for the wedding--guys, I got my rehearsal dinner dress in the mail this past weekend. I know it's pretty early to order it but I saw another blogger post a picture of it on Instagram and I knew I had to have it! It's this dress from Goodnight Macaroon. I got it with the nude underlay and I'm just in love! I highly recommend it if you have any wedding events coming up. It comes in black too! 

[Linking up with Summer Style & Mix & Match Fashion for today's post!]
8.22.2016

Summer Trends--Cold Shoulder

Top: Zara (sold out, similar here), Denim: Paige Denim, Booties: Vince Camuto, Necklace: Panacea
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a great weekend! I apologize in advance for how short this post is! We're having some internet issues so I'm doing everything from my phone. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston, Trend Spin, and Layers & Lipstick for today's post!

This weekend was busy but it was so much fun to have so many people over at the house. My best friend came over Friday--I toured her around the house then we went to Bartaco (the yummiest taco place near our house) for margs and tacos of course! On Saturday, my cousin came over and spent the night then on Sunday the whole family came over for dinner. It definitely sucks not having a dining table and trying to entertain a bunch of people but we are hoping to have one soon!

What did you guys do this weekend?!
8.19.2016

Weekend Wish List: Fall Transition Edition

Booties, Jacket, Sunnies, Scarf, Crossbody, Hat, Earrings
Happy Friday my loves! Hope you had a great week and have some fun weekend plans ahead. It's going to be yet another busy weekend.  This afternoon my bestie/MOH is coming over to see the new house for the first time then we're going to go out for dinner and drinks! Saturday I don't have too many plans for the day but at night my cousin is sleeping over then on Sunday we're having the whole family over for grilling out. It's sort of the first weekend where we're actually entertaining guests so I'm super excited! Though we still don't have a dining table....we'll make it work! I'm hoping the weather holds up so everyone can just hang out on our patio. That's my favorite part of the new house!

Today I just wanted to share a few items that I am lusting after especially to start the transition into fall wardrobe. Guys--this BlankNYC jacket is back in stock (even though it's full priced) and I ordered it! It is backordered but I'm hoping this time it actually goes through. I have been stalking it since I tried to order it during the Nordstrom sale and my order was cancelled. Also--lord knows I don't need another pair of neutral booties but how darn cute is this Vince Camuto pair?! But seriously, one day I'm going to post a picture of all my neutral booties and you guys are going to get a kick out of it. Maybe if I buy the dark grey pair I can get away with it....

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!
8.17.2016

Styling a T-Shirt Dress

Dress: J. Crew, Necklace: Panacea, Hat: Rhythm, Booties: Vince Camuto
Happy Wednesday darlings! Hope you're having a fantastic week so far. Work has been a little crazy this week but nothing outside of the ordinary. We sent out our save the dates last week so it's been exciting to already be hearing back from people that they can't wait to come! I also booked our wedding suite for the weekend so I just couldn't be more excited. I love that it's getting closer so I can just do more and more planning. It has been so much fun for me!

To say that I'm obsessed with this t-shirt dress from J. Crew would be an understatement. I have been wearing it on repeat since I got it (in fact....I'm wearing it today...don't judge!) It's so comfortable and so easy to style. I have said it a million times but I just love adding really great basics to my wardrobe because they're so fun to play up with accessories. Plus--they just never go out of style! Also--I had to mention this necklace find because I was really excited. I had been eyeing this necklace from Lana FOREVER but it's so darn expensive. I was thinking about asking Steven if he would buy it for me for my wedding gift but THEN I found this almost identical dupe for less than $25. If you guys have also had your eye on the Lana necklace, I absolutely am loving my dupe!

[Linking up with The Blended Blog, Trend SpinLayers & Lipstick, and Mix & Match Fashion]
8.15.2016

Taupe & White Denim

Blouse: Lush, Denim: Articles of Society, Heels: Sam Edelman, Bag: Tory Burch, Sunnies: Karen Walker, Necklace: Panacea
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and stayed cool. It was SOOOO hot here in Virginia! When we were taking these pictures I was pretty much drenched in sweat--cute right?! Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston, Style Elixir, and Layers & Lipstick for today's post! It was so nice to have a weekend where we didn't really have many plans and were able to relax and do more decorating and some minor home repairs. We got to relax and watch the Olympics, do a lot of cooking at home, AND we finished Stranger Things. Y'all--have any of you been watching it?! It has to be my favorite show that has come out in the last few years. I'm just obsessed. I'm also a little bit of a sci-fi nerd (fun fact haha) so it's right up my alley! I'm so hoping it gets renewed for a second season!

I got this blouse during the Nordstrom sale and I wish I had purchased it in more colors. I really want to get it in olive (of course). I love that this taupe color is great transitioning from summer to fall. It will look super cute over black or normal denim and booties! All these Lush tops are also so great for work. They really make any outfit look very polished!
8.12.2016

Easy, Healthy Meals for Work

Happy Friday darlings! If you're like me and work in an office setting where you have the luxury of bringing and storing your lunch, it's good to try to take advantage! So many of my co-workers eat out for every meal during the day and I, personally, think it's a huge waste of money and definitely not as healthy. Here are a few meals/snacks I have been loving for busy days at work:


Breakfast: Lite & Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt with Granola and berries (usually blackberries or raspberries). This is SO filling and low calorie. The Greek yogurt is also pretty high in protein too. I used to find myself getting hungry for lunch so early but ever since I started eating this for breakfast almost every day, I don't get hungry for lunch until 1ish! If you want to go lighter on the carbs, skip the granola and it's still super yummy.
via
Snack Ideas:
Carrots & Hummus or Guacamole
Grapes
Apple Cinnamon Rice Cakes & Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (MOST AMAZING COMBO)
Celery and either PB or Ranch (depending on your mood) in mason jars
Protein Bars like "The Perfect Bar" (my personal favorite brand--the Almond Butter one is the best!)


via
Lunch: Quinoa with anything really! I love making quinoa for the week and throwing in veggies or chicken and some dressing over top. It's super easy and quinoa is SO filling. This is my favorite recipe. My other go-to quinoa salad is black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion and a cilantro avocado dressing. It's DELICIOUS and so easy!

Hope y'all enjoyed this post! Would love to hear your go-to meal ideas down below. I'm not creative at all when it comes to cooking so I appreciate any tips! Have a wonderful weekend!
8.10.2016

My Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Happy Wednesday loves! Unfortunately, we weren't able to squeeze in another outfit shoot but oh well--it's always fun to switch things up. Since we're getting closer and closer to fall and the stores are all stocked with fall fashion items, I just wanted to share a few of my staples from last year that I know will get a ton of use again this year!
Cozy, Neutral poncho + Burgundy Accessories--This poncho got so much wear last year and I actually just unpacked it when we moved into the new house which reminded me how excited I am to wear it again! I love this cream version that is really similar. I also got so much use out of this little Rebecca Minkoff crossbody last year. I haven't seen it back on Nordstrom's site yet but I feel like it might return once we get closer to fall! I'll let you guys know if I see it restocked. In the meantime, here are a few other gorgeous burgundy bags that are pretty similar (1 or 2)
Moto Jackets--I have one in brown and one in black and they both get SO much use! I am eyeing a few suede ones to add to the collection since the one I ordered during the Nordstrom sale sold-out. Here are a few moto jackets on my radar currently--1,2,3.
Neutral, lightweight scarf--Everyone is all about the blanket scarves and I absolutely love that trend, but it really doesn't get cold enough to wear those until closer to winter in VA! During that early fall transition time, I love scarves like this one that seriously go with EVERYTHING and are cozy enough but not too heavy. This one is almost identical to mine!
Neutral booties--I love the pair I'm wearing here but I just bought these from Vince Camuto during the Nordstrom sale and also HIGHLY recommend this pair that you guys have seen me wear a million times.
Statement denim in fall shades--These plum jeans from Paige Denim were worn on repeat last year along with an olive pair that really work year round! Here is a really cute pair in burgundy.
Last but certainly not least, the Floppy Hat--you guys know I'm ALL about the hats. My hat collection has grown exponentially over the last year and this one is definitely my absolute favorite! It goes with almost everything and is just so adorable. This one is super similar--I really want to buy the grey version!
8.08.2016

Olive Romper

Romper: Silence + Noise, Sweater: UO (sold out, similar here), Booties: Vince Camuto, Necklace: Panacea (similar here), Hat: Rhythm
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved BostonStyle Elixir, and Layers & Lipstick for today's post! Our weekend was stressful to say the least. For the last few weeks, Steven has been having car troubles and at this point he has no choice but to try to turn in his car for a new one. It wouldn't be a big deal--but for those of you who might have spouses or significant others in grad school, you know they are living off of not much income. If only his car could have hung on until after the wedding and after the house was fully furnished! We spent most of Saturday cleaning out the apartment and I was just getting so overwhelmed. I can't believe how much stuff we still had there! It felt so good to get rid of a ton of stuff though--I feel totally cleansed in this new house!

Needless to say, because it was such a busy weekend and super stressful for Steven, I didn't want to pester him to get blog photos. That's the downfall of having your bf/fiance/hubby as your blog photographer! I was able to shoot this outfit and I'm going to try to get one more up this week but if not, I have a few other post ideas in mind.

I bought this romper when I was in California and 2 of my other friends bought it as well! It's super flattering on all of us and I just love how versatile it is. I feel like it's a good piece to transition into fall. Throw a jean jacket over it and pair it with booties like I did here and you'll be able to get a few more months out of it! Since we took these photos at the house, Toby had to join in for a photo too!
8.05.2016

Weekly Favorites

via
Happy Friday darlings! Hope you had a wonderful week and have some fun weekend plans ahead. This is the first full week of work I've had in a month I think! July was full of wedding fun and long weekends which was fabulous. Back to reality! No major plans this weekend--Saturday I'm grabbing brunch and touring one of my besties around the new house then on Sunday we're going to spend most of the day getting the last of our stuff out of the apartment and FINALLY turning in our keys. Today, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite links/articles/products/etc. Linking up with Amanda from Meet at the Barre for today's post!

First and foremost, I had downloaded the She Reads Truth app a while ago but I just rediscovered it and have been absolutely LOVING it. I have been looking for an online Christian community with guided bible studies and this is the perfect site for me. The current plan is studying the book of Ruth. They also have a website so I love that I can access it when I'm working and just need to feel uplifted.

A while back I purchased the Bikini Body Guide fitness plan/nutrition plan. Although I don't really love the fitness plan (I prefer plans on bodybuilding.com), the nutrition plan is pretty awesome! Especially if you're like me and you're not super creative with cooking--this is a great guide.

I don't know if I've mentioned it before but this Bobbi Brown mascara is my holy grail. I have used it for almost 2 years (switching it up every once in a while) and NOTHING tops it! It gives you length, volume and is just amazing! 

This home tour from Craftberry Bush just gave me all sorts of inspiration! I love all the blues and greens. It's just so fresh and gorgeous!

Gal Meets Glam's post on Finding Self Love was beautifully written and shares such an important message for women.

[PS-they restocked this top from my post on Wednesday but in Navy Blue!!]

Hope you guys enjoyed this post and have a FABULOUS weekend!!
8.03.2016

Lace-Up Blouse #nsale

Blouse: Lush, Denim: Articles of Society (sale!), Sunnies: Quay, Wedges: Old, similar here
Happy Wednesday loves! It's one of those weeks where I am just feeling super exhausted and I'm not sure why. Even though I just got back from the California trip, it was SO busy and brief that I feel like I need an actual vacation where I can just relax! Southwest refunded me for the issues we had flying to Cali and they also gave me a $200 voucher so it makes me want to plan our next trip! I would really love to spend a long weekend in Charleston or the Outer Banks sometime in the early fall. Plus now I have "sort of" conquered my fear of flying!

This top was one that I saw and immediately fell in love with during the Nordstrom sale! It is sold out unfortunately but here are a few similar options that are still in stock and on sale (1, 2). A lot of the really good items from the sale have sold out--the saddest for me was the Blank NYC suede moto jacket I talked about in this post. Right after I did this post, I got a notification that my order had been cancelled so I lost out on this gorgeous jacket. It is back in stock but it's full price and a different color so I'm not sure I can swing it! I'm still really happy with everything I got from the sale overall!

What was your favorite purchase from the sale?!

[Linking up with Summer Style and Mix & Match Fashion for today's post]
8.01.2016

Edgy T-Shirt Dress

Dress: Honey Punch via UO, Booties: Vince Camuto, Choker: Urban Outfitters, Sunnies: Ray-Bans
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved BostonStyle Elixir, and Trend Spin for today's post! This weekend was pretty laidback overall. Friday night, I went up and stayed over at my parent's house so that Saturday morning we could go meet a potential DJ in Maryland. We LOVED him so I think he is the one we're going to use! One more vendor checked off the list. I think now we're down to only needing hair & make-up artists, a videographer, and the cake as far as vendors go! Saturday evening, my parents came and stayed over at the new house which was super nice. Steven was out of town so it was great to get some family time! Steven came home Sunday morning and I was so excited to have him back.

I purchased this dress when we were in California and I am pretty much obsessed! It is SO comfortable and I love that it's a different take on a t-shirt dress with the cut-out detail. Normally I'm not super into showing midriff like this--but I feel like this is just the right amount! I highly recommend this dress and just checking out Urban Outfitters in general. They have an awesome collection right now!