SOCIAL MEDIA

9.30.2016

Fall Favorites from Last Year that are BACK IN STOCK!

This poncho is back in stock along with an almost identical hat!
This adorable plaid scarf is also back in stock! I wore this SO much last fall!
An almost identical version of this vest is back in stock + these OTK boots!
This jacket is back in stock and I have heard you can find these Vince Camuto booties at Nordstrom Rack!
I wore this sweater SO much last year and I found it super discounted here and here!
Here is an almost identical version of this vest and striped tee along with identical red flats!
Last but not least, this long duster is from Lulus and is not back in stock but I was so obsessed with it that I had to link a super similar option that I found! This one is a little shorter but almost identical otherwise!
Happy Friday loves! I am SO glad that it's almost the weekend and cannot wait to just totally relax. On Saturday, I do have a hair appointment late afternoon to go back to my dark hair (YAY) and will be watching the Clemson game at a sports bar nearby but aside from that I'll just be watching Netflix and getting caught up on sleep. I have been seriously doing so much legwork trying to find the right picture to show my stylist because I want to go dark but not quite as dark as last year! Does anyone else get crazy about finding the right picture when you know you're changing your hair? This is also a totally new salon and stylist so I'm a little bit nervous!

As I was going through different sites, I noticed so many items from last year are back in stock or there are new items almost identical! Over the last few years, I have really tried to only purchase items that I know will transcend the years and are unlikely to go out of style. I like adding some trendy pieces but overall, big chunky sweaters, leather jackets, good basic tees will never really go out of fashion! The item I found that I'm MOST excited about is the big chunky Free People sweater in the 5th picture. I found it on 6pm.com super discounted and I'm so tempted to order it in Mushroom. I wore this so much last year and I know I will again this fall/winter. I was also happy when I saw that they re-stocked the grey poncho. It's such a simple poncho which I love! It's a statement without being too loud!

Do y'all have any fun plans for the weekend?!
9.28.2016

Black on Black + Fashion Frenzy Link-Up!

Turtleneck: Vero Moda via Asos, Hat: H&M, Jeans: Paige Denim, Heels: J. Crew, Bag: Vince Camuto (sold out, similar here), Necklace: Baublebar (similar here)
Happy Hump Day lovelies! I am still so exhausted from this past weekend so I am beyond ready for this week to be over so I can catch up on sleep! This weekend in NYC was SO much fun but we're always going nonstop the whole time since it's such a brief trip. We got in on the bus pretty late on Friday then Saturday we started the day off getting brunch at La Pecora Bianca. I don't know that much about the geography of NYC but I think it's technically in Flatiron. It was the most ADORABLE spot and I highly recommend it if you're making any trips. The lattes were so yummy and they have a 3-toast option that is super delicious. After brunch, we went to Soho and did some shopping! I actually think I showed some pretty good restraint and only purchased 2 things! After spending some time in Soho we were going to walk through a food festival in little Italy but it was SO crowded you couldn't even move. We decided to just head down to Chelsea Market where we shopped around and then got Nutella Crepes! We went back to Maddie's place and just relaxed until we went out for drinks and dancing at a club called Slate. Super fun and the music was awesome! Sunday, we grabbed brunch at Pershing Square which is right next to the Empire State Building and fun fact--a scene from Friends with Benefits (with Justin Timberlake/Mila Kunis) was filmed there! After brunch, we only had an hour or two until our bus was coming so we just relaxed and enjoyed the views at Bryant Park. It was a BLAST and I'm so excited to go back up in April for my Bachelorette party!

This sleeveless turtleneck is what I wore all day on Saturday when we were walking around and it definitely kept me warm but not too warm. The weather was sort of chilly in the morning but it got up to mid-70s so I was super comfortable in this outfit! For NYC, I paired it with black slip-on sneakers but I wanted to show how you can dress it up a little more and it would be perfect for date night. It's also SUPER inexpensive! Now, let's jump into the Link-Up!

[Also linking up with The Blended Blog, Pumps & Push-UpsLayers & Lipstick, and Mix & Match Fashion]

9.26.2016

Pretty in Plum

Dress: Lush, Necklace: Kendra Scott, Booties: Vince Camuto, Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Happy Monday loves! I apologize because this post is going to be super short. I am still getting caught up from what I missed Friday afternoon at work!  Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston, Trend Spin, and Layers & Lipstick for today's post! NYC was such a blast and I'll definitely talk more about it in my post on Wednesday. It was so fun to spend time with friends but also the weather was absolutely gorgeous for walking around the city. There was plenty of good food and a little bit of shopping! So much for the September no-buy.

I got this dress during the Nordstrom sale and I have been waiting until fall officially arrived to wear it. I absolutely LOVE the plum color and the super flowy sleeves! It's still in stock and comes in so many fun colors and patterns!

Wednesday, I'll share more on our trip and also remember to come by and join our Fashion Frenzy link-up! Have a great rest of your Monday!
9.23.2016

My Top 5 Must-Read Books

Happy Friday lovies! I'm writing this post and simultaneously packing for my weekend in NYC. I'll be posting a ton on my Snapchat so make sure to follow along (username: kellykalink)! I'm in between books right now so I'm trying to decide which one to bring with me for the bus ride in case Kate falls asleep or we can't sit together for some reason. That's what sort of sparked my idea for this post! I LOVE hearing about what others are reading and getting book ideas from bloggers so I thought it would be fun to share my top 5 favorite books of all time. This was SO hard to narrow down because I've always been a pretty avid reader.

Just to give you some background, the genres I typically go for are Historical Fiction and Mystery/Crime Thrillers. It's pretty rare that I pick up anything outside of those genres although I do have one on my list that isn't in either. Let's just jump in!

1.) Rebecca-Ok, so this actually wasn't super hard to pick because I just adored this book. I have to say Rebecca is probably my absolute #1 favorite. It's such a classic and the reason I love it so much is because it combines my two favorite genres. It's historical but also a has super gripping mystery and a major twist at the end. I'm sure a lot of you have already read it, but if not, I highly recommend it. Alfred Hitchcock also made a movie version of it and the author Daphne Du Maurier is the one who wrote "The Birds"--the short story Hitchcock's movie was based on. I could not put this book down and still recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard of it!
2.) The Forgotten Garden-Basically, anything by Kate Morton is included in this slot because she is by far my favorite author. Whenever she comes out with a new book, I immediately buy it! As with Rebecca, Kate Morton always combines historical fiction and mystery in the best way! I just got The Lake House which is her most recent book and that's probably the one I'll bring for the ride up to NYC. I have read all the others and The Forgotten Garden was my favorite! The writing is incredible and it just transported me when I was reading it. If you're interested in reading her other books, The Secret Keeper was my second favorite and the House at Riverton was really good too. The only one I wasn't super in love with was The Distant Hours. I'll keep you guys posted on my thoughts on The Lake House!
3.) The Light Between Oceans-I just finished this book a couple weeks ago but it was an instant favorite. Again, I'm sure you guys have already read it but if not, I HIGHLY recommend it. The writing is incredible and the story is just heartwrenching! It's such a beautiful book and I'm hoping to see the movie in the next few weekends. I can't wait for this author to come out with another book because I will ABSOLUTELY buy it.

4.) Where'd You Go Bernadette-This is the book I was referring to when I said that it sort of fell out of the usual genres I go for. I would classify this as a comedy because I laughed out loud so much while reading this book! Bee, the main character, is just so adorable and funny. The sense of humor is sort of snarky in the best way. If you want a good, light-hearted read, this is sure to make you smile!
5.) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan-On a COMPLETELY different note, this book was so touching and heartbreaking. I have always been very interested in Chinese culture and history so I love that this book tied in so much history. It really showcases the struggles of women in 19th century China but it's mostly about enduring friendship. I think I surprised myself with how much I loved this book! If you guys liked Memoirs of a Geisha, this has similar vibes and actually the writing style is very similar despite different authors.
[Honorable mentions go to The Girl on the Train (obviously), Gone Girl (obviously), Dark Places--which is the lesser known book by Gillian Flynn, The Tiger's Wife (SO good), Beautiful Ruins, anything by Dan Brown, and Atonement. Oh--and keep in mind that this doesn't include Harry Pottery because I feel like it goes without saying that those are my ULTIMATE favorites of all time haha.]

Hope y'all liked this different type of post and enjoy your weekends!!
9.21.2016

Lace-Up Tank + Fashion Frenzy Link-Up #2

Top: 1. State, Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Flats: J. Crew, Bag: Vince Camuto (also similar here), Hat: Rhythm
Happy Hump Day loves! It's mid-week which means I'm that much closer to our weekend trip to NYC! I am BEYOND excited. We have been making plans and I think we're doing brunch on Broadway, heading to Chelsea Market then Soho. Not sure where we're going out that night but I'm sure I'll love it. Sunday, we have just enough time to do a little something else before our bus leaves at 3. It stinks that the trip is super short BUT we did decide that we're going to do my Bachelorette party in NYC in early April so I have that to look forward to! And when we go then we will have more time to explore other areas.

This outfit is what I wore to the wine festival on Saturday and I was SUPER comfortable. These jeans are just the best and have the perfect amount of distressing. I also am in LOVE with this top from 1. State. It's so well-made and I actually think it would be adorable under that suede jacket from Monday.

Now let's jump into the link-up! [Also linking up with What I Wore, Mix & Match Fashion, & Layers & Lipstick]


9.19.2016

The Jacket I've Been Waiting For (Back in Stock!)

Jacket: BlankNYC, Dress: Socialite, Booties: BP
Happy Monday lovebugs! Hope you had a fabulous weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved BostonFizz & Frosting, Style Elixir, and Trend Spin for today's post! This weekend was a lot of fun but I feel super exhausted from being so busy and not getting much sleep. Saturday, we went to the Wine Festival with a few friends and it was SO insanely crowded but so fun! All you can drink wine is pretty dangerous but having to wait in line for everything was sort of a pain. I left with a yummy bottle of rose which I'm pretty excited to crack open! That night, we watched The Conjuring 2 and let me just say, I can watch pretty scary movies without being affected. I saw the first Conjuring and didn't really think it was that scary--this one was TERRIFYING. I actually couldn't sleep well at all Saturday after watching--so if you like scary movies, than I recommend it but if not...don't watch it! Sunday, I went to Home Goods and bought a bunch of stuff to finish off the bedroom. It's almost totally done. I just have new nightstands coming in from Joss & Main this week then have to get a full-length mirror but after that it will be done! I think once it is, I'm going to do a home decor update post. We're definitely no where near done but our living room and bedroom are way closer than the rest of the house!

Y'all--the infamous jacket came and I am just in LOVE with it! It's even better quality than I expected and it fits absolutely perfectly. I can tell you right now that it's going to get so much wear this fall making it completely worth the cost! I'm linking to it here because it's actually fully in stock right now and it looks like it's not even backordered!

Ok, I'm completely rambling in this post BUT I also had to share that I'm going back to my dark hair in a few weeks and keeping it dark through  the wedding. Obviously, my hair is naturally dark brown so I just feel like it's the best color on me and will be perfect for my wedding day! The balayage has been a fun change but dark is my favorite!
9.16.2016

Must Have Fall Accessories

OTK Boots, Scarf, Lariat, Belt, Hobo, Booties, Hat, Mules, Skinny Scarf
It's finally Friday y'all and I could not be more ready for the weekend! To start off I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who joined our first link-up on Wednesday! We loved seeing everyone's posts! Make sure to come back again each Wednesday:)

I'm actually pretty excited because tomorrow we're going to a Wine Festival during the day with one of my work friends and her fiance. You just pay one flat rate for admission then it's all you can drink wine after that (yikes)! They also have a huge line-up of different food trucks that will be there. Let's be honest, I'm more excited for the food! Sunday, we are going to finish up the dining table and also finalize our registry. Next weekend, I go to NYC with my bestie/MOH, Kate to visit our other bestie Maddie. I LOVE going to NYC to visit her. We did Chelsea Market, High Line, and Central Park last time so I'm trying to think of what to do this time. Maybe Soho?! We did Soho a few years ago but not for too long so I would love to spend more time down there this trip. Do y'all have any suggestions?

Today, I'm sharing a few essential accessories for this fall and I'm seriously in LOVE with these items. Last year I got a few OTK boots but I really want a flat pair like these! Either way, OTK boots are a definite fall staple along with a neutral pair of booties. I shared my neutral bootie collection on Instagram and it's pretty sad. The obsession is real! Another fall accessory is a good blanket scarf. I went blanket scarf crazy last year and I actually have one almost identical to this neutral checkered scarf. Goes with almost everything! A trend that's sort of new this year is the skinny scarf. I haven't scooped one of these up yet but I adore this blush/nude one and it's under $20!!

What are some of your fall staples?! Hope you have an absolutely fabulous weekend!

9.14.2016

Fall Floral + 1st Fashion Frenzy Link-Up!

Blouse: Ro & De via Nordstrom Rack (sold out online, similar here), Denim: Paige, Booties: BP, Sunnies: Karen Walker
Happy Wednesday loves! Who else feels like this week is moving SO slow? I woke up this morning and thought it was Thursday so that stunk! Y'all--I'm super excited because this suede moto jacket FINALLY shipped. This was my second time ordering and it was backordered for a while but it just shipped and I'm so excited! I feel like I'm going to be wearing it on repeat all through fall. Also--I know I said I was doing a no-buy for September BUT I did say with the exception of wedding stuff right?! Look how gorgeous this dress is from Wayf. I am going to have 3 bridal showers so I think this would be perfect for one of them!

I found this top at Nordstrom Rack about a month ago and just fell in love with the floral print. I thought it was so pretty, feminine, and I just love the billowy sleeves! It is sold out online but you should still check out your stores to see if you can find this top or just anything by this brand. They have really adorable styles and prints! The similar option I linked to is GORGEOUS and also perfect for fall!

Okay y'all let's jump into the link-up! Annessa and I are super excited to be hosting this link-up every Wednesday so make sure to come back each week to link-up your adorable outfit posts! [Also linking up with What I Wore, Mix & Match Fashion, & Trend Spin]


9.12.2016

Casual Distress

Tank: J. Crew, Denim: Topshop, Shoes: Steve Madden, Sunnies: Ray-Ban, Choker: Baublebar
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston, Layers & Lipstick, and Style Elixir for today's post! On Friday night, we just stayed in and finished up "The Night Of" (which is a series on HBO if you've never heard of it) and OMG. If you guys haven't watched it yet, go watch it and thank me later! It was seriously amazing. It's only a mini-series but I heard rumors that they might come back with a second season. If you were fans of the Serial podcast, then this show is right up your alley. Saturday, we went to the National Zoo and it was such a blast. I have been there more times than I can count, but this was by far the best trip. We got to see all the pandas up close including the baby! We also got to see a carcass feeding at the lion's den which I had mixed feelings about lol. Sunday, we just got a lot done around the house and Steven finished up the dining table! The last part is going to be finding the perfect stain which I know is going to be a little difficult. I can't wait to show you guys pictures of the finished product though! I'm very impressed with Steven!

This outfit has pretty much been on repeat most weekends. I'm absolutely loving these Steve Madden black slip-ons! They're so comfortable but I think they're super cute and trendy too--I love the sleek zipper detail. Also, if you guys are looking for a good pair of distressed denim, look no further! These Topshop "Leigh" jeans are my absolute favorite. They have just the right amount of distress and they are the perfect length on me!

--Just a reminder that on Wednesday, Annessa and I are hosting are first Fashion Frenzy link-up so make sure to stop by and share your latest fashion posts!
9.09.2016

Nordstrom's Summer Clearance Picks!

Booties, Scarf, Sunnies, Bag, Candle, Mug, Flats, Sweater
Happy Friday darlings! Hope you had a great week and have some fun weekend plans ahead. This week flew by since Monday we were off! I don't know about you guys, but 4 day weeks are always SUPER busy since everything is crammed in so I'm glad it's about to be the weekend. I'm feeling a lot better--still have some sinus pressure but it's definitely subsiding. Steven and my 6 year dating anniversary is on Sunday so I think we're going to really try to go to Mount Vernon or the National Zoo to celebrate since we missed it last weekend. We also have to finish registering for for wedding gifts!

The Nordstrom Summer Clearance sale is going on now through this Sunday so I wanted to share some last minute items that I think will actually transition really well into the fall season.
Linking up with Amanda from Meet at The Barre for today's post! I am definitely wanting another pair of peep toe booties! This pair from BCBG are so sleek and so perfect while the weather is still sort of mild! I last minute booked a trip to NYC in a couple weekends with my girlfriends and I'm super excited. You guys know how much I love visiting the city. These booties will be perfect for going out--they're super comfortable but still fashionable! Also, these Quay sunnies aren't on sale but I had to mention them because I bought them a couple weeks back and I'm obsessed! I've seen a few other bloggers talk about them as well and seriously--the price is right for a quality pair of aviators. I like them even more than my Ray-Bans and they're less than half the price!

What are your plans for the upcoming weekend?!
9.07.2016

The Dress You Need for Fall + Exciting News!

Dress: Wayf (this dress is almost identical), Heels: Vince Camuto, Clutch: Free People (Old, similar here), Sunnies: Karen Walker
Happy Wednesday lovebugs! Hope you had a fabulous and relaxing long weekend. I seriously can't get over the fact that it's September. Time is flying by so fast and I think I'm even more aware of it since I'm planning a wedding! It's crazy to think when we first got engaged we were 21 months away from the actual wedding date and now we're at 7 months. Anyway! This weekend was relaxing BUT it sort of sucked because I had/still sort of have a terrible sinus infection. I woke up on Friday and had the worst sinus pressure which got gradually worse through the weekend. We didn't do a whole lot but Sunday I did go with my mom and aunt to look for her mother of the bride dress. She actually found it really quickly and it's so pretty! I picked it out and she didn't really like it on the hanger but loved it on. I'm bummed out we didn't get to go to Mt. Vernon but we might try again this upcoming weekend.

This dress y'all--it's seriously one of my favorites. I know it's almost sold out so I linked to another one that's basically identical. I think this dress is such a great length and who doesn't love olive right now?! The lace-up detail is so much fun and just makes it a little more edgy than your average shirt-dress.

Also--super exciting news! Annessa from Seeking Sunshine and I are hosting a link-up that will take place every Wednesday on our blogs! We will be starting the link-up next Wednesday (9/14) so make sure to check out both our sites to participate. We can't wait to see all of your fashionable outfits!

[Linking up with What I Wore , Mix & Match Fashion, and Layers & Lipstick]
9.02.2016

Weekly Workout [Sweating for the Wedding Update]


Happy Friday loves! So excited that we're about to head into a long weekend. Do y'all have any fun plans?! Saturday, we are going to work on building the dining table which I assume will take most of the day and also get some blog shoots done. At some point I'm also going to go with my mom to look at Mother of the Bride dresses! Sunday, we wanted to go to Mount Vernon but I'm not sure how the weather will be with the tropical storm rolling through. We might have to push the day trip to Monday! I want to start doing more fun weekend trips. We have so much around us between everything in DC, Baltimore and Annapolis. Plus, I love fall weather so that will motivate me to get out and about more!

As promised, I'm doing on update on my "Sweating for the Wedding" series. The last month and a half I have been really strict about going to the gym and have definitely been seeing some great results! I'm seeing a lot more muscle definition and just feel more toned all around. I love being able to add more weight on when I'm doing exercises--I never had a lot of upper body strength but I'm finally starting to get stronger! Here is my weekly work-out routine currently:

Monday-Legs 
  • Leg Press (usually 110ish Ibs)
  • Squats on the Smith machine (4 sets of 12, 70 Ibs)
  • Leg Extensions (4 sets of 12, 40 Ibs)
  • Leg Curl (4 sets of 12, 40 Ibs)
  • Glute machine (4 sets of 12, weight varies)
  • TRX Single Leg Squat (4 sets of 12, each leg)

Tuesday-Cardio+Arms
  • 25 minutes on the spin bike (variation between high resistance/low resistance)
  • Wide Grip Lat Pull Down (4 sets of 15)
  • Dumbbell alternate bicep curls (4 sets of 12 for each arm)
  • Front Plate Raise (4 sets of 12)
  • Plate Truck Driver (4 sets of 12)
  • Dumbbell bench press (4 sets of 12)

Wednesday-Arms (more focused on shoulders/triceps) + Abs
  • Shoulder Press (4 sets of 12)
  • Dumbbell lateral raises (4 sets of 12)
  • Tricep Kickbacks (4 sets of 12)
  • Vertical Tricep Extension with Cable (4 sets of 12)
  • Bicycle Crunches (4 sets of 50)
  • Planks and Side planks
  • Weighted "In-N-Outs"  (4 sets of 15)
  • Decline Sit-Up+Oblique Crunch (4 sets of 10)--these are SO hard!
Thursday-Legs (pretty much a repeat of Monday--I don't switch up my leg workouts that much)
Friday-either Barre class or Cardio + Back

PS-I think I'm going to skip Monday's post to enjoy the long weekend but I'll be back to my regular schedule on Weds!

Hope y'all enjoyed this post and have an awesome holiday weekend!