Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Confession: the Nordstrom anniversary sale is pretty much my favorite sale of the entire year. Sadly there are only a few days left to shop the sale, but upside, there are still a few great finds to be found!
This sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on a few closet staples, and do a little {very} early holiday shopping. I love how there are always endless amounts of fall and winter items included in these sales. This time of year in Nashville the air is so thick that I can’t help but dream of a cool fall day, chunky sweaters, and the crunch of leaves under my feet. Here are a few of my favorite sale items!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Guest Post :: 5 Stylish Ways To Wear Silk

There are few things in life you can count on, but one thing that can always be garneted is that fashion is always changing, except for a few classic staple that have been around for decades; silk being one of them. Silk is in in a major way this year. Two of my personal favorites are silk blouses and silk scarves. Today Peter Minkoff is sharing five stylish ways to wear scarves!
Fashion trends change all the time. Pieces go in and out of style, so sometimes you have to make a calculated risk about what you want to spend your money on. Accessories and details are a big part of it and picking the right designs and fabrics as well. This time we are talking about one safe choice, and that is silk, and about ways, you can wear it and look stylish.

A Classic-Silk Blouse 

Let’s start from looks for many daily occasions that include a silk blouse. A pinkish nude, silk blouse with high waisted jeans or black cigarette pants will look effortless yet amazing. You can wear it with pumps, sandals, or ballet flats depending on the occasion. Complete the look with a lacquered purse and big sunglasses or a nice silver wristwatch, and you will be ready to go. You can even wear a silk skirt as a part of your work outfit with a pencil skirt or formal pants. 

Silky Details Make All The Difference

If your wardrobe consists of basic pieces, you can style every outfit by throwing in some details. Silk scarves are a great way to complete any outfit either by wearing them around your neck or playing even more and tying them to your purse or even making a headband. Animal prints are pretty popular this year, so you can go for leopard print scarf and wear it with a beige shirt dress, and some leopard print slippers. One more detail you can try are silk scrunchies. They are better for your hair because they are gentle and won't break it, they are trendy and look cute. 

Versatility Of Silk Dresses

When you want to look stunning for any special occasion, a silk dress is something you can't go wrong with. A maxi, slit dress, and a bit of cleavage will look sexy and glamorous. One example can be olive green, dark red, or very light-yellow dress with crossed straps on the back, and high heel sandals. A low, messy bun, with some shiny earrings and subtle makeup, and your look will be complete. Another option you can try is a tight, siren shaped silk dress, perfect for a cocktail party or any fancy event you have to attend. However, no matter how formal it sounds, you can style silk dresses with belts, sneakers and even boots and turn them into street fashion and chic outfits. 

A Night-Out Silk Crop Top

For a crazy night out, when you want to look fancy and trendy, you can wear a silk crop top with basically anything high-waisted. A black, tight, pencil skirt with a slit in the back, and a black, silk, spaghetti strap crop top will make you look fierce and attractive. If this is too much for you, you can go with loose leg pants which will create a good contrast between the sexy top and casual bottoms. Pastel colors, green or blue will also look amazing in this combination, making it even more fashionable. 

Silk Shoes And Silk Detailing On Them

The first thing you think about when you hear silk shoes is wedding outfits. However, silk shoes can be an amazing detail for any simple outfit you want to style up a bit. Gray, royal blue or even red with a big buckle in the front can be a part of any luxurious look, or even a jeans and blouse outfit. If your style is a bit more casual, a good way of incorporating silk into your shoes is to get sneakers with silky shoelaces that are a big hit this season. They can be a part of your daily outfits with jeans or shorts or even certain going-out looks that include cotton, body dresses when you don’t want to look too dressed up. For a more edgy yet feminine look, get bold colors, and if you like the flirty, girly looks, pastel pinks and nudes, or even floral patterns are a good option. 
Silk is normally considered a sexy fabric, but luckily for anyone who likes it out of the lingerie area, there are ways to wear it as a part of different outfits. Even the smallest details can change the whole vibe and create a more interesting look, so try some of these tips and see for yourself. 

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Links I'm Loving

Links I’m Loving has been a regular post series on the blog that I am bring back weekly. I always love looking back on the week and picking out a few things that are either fun/interesting/or things I am honestly just loving at the moment. So her are this weeks links I’m loving…
Is there anyone else out there that is completely and totally obsessed with Big Little Lies!? Meryl Steep totally makes the current season. With all of questioning and insults it’s no wonder why every character in the show despise her, but she is so central to the story line this season

Did anyone else every wish they lived at Tara when they were younger? It has been forever since I have read the book, but it was one of my favorite reads and then seeing Tara bought to life in a movie was just a soother’s dream – the perfect shade of white, stately columns, and the inside of the house and that stairway…swoon. Up until a couple weeks ago I always thought the house from the movie was dreamed up by some old=school producer; I was in total shock that it was actually inspired by a real house and that house is currently up for auction!

If you haven’t read a book written by Kristy Woodson Harvey, you are seriously missing out. She is so perfectly able to bring all her characters to live and give each one loveable quality. Her books are the perfect summer beach read.

I ordered this dress in white a couple weeks ago and I have been wearing it on repeat every chance I can. It is basically the perfect summer daytime dress

Do I really need to say more? It is honestly one my favorite sales of the year – I always fell like Christmas comes early when the Nordstrom sale rolls around.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Small Ways To Improve Everyday Life

I’m pretty sure there is not one person out there who can object to the state: life gets hectic. It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle of life and neglect the small things that can make you feel better on a day-to-day basis. 

I for one I have working on getting back into the swing of having better habits. For the past few months I have stayed up way too late, haven’t read as much as I usually do, worked out on a regular basis, etc. but every now and then things can get super busy and it is hard to get back on a good path. So today I thought it would be fun to share a few small things to improve your everyday life!

Workout// It is amazing the difference a quick workout can make, even just a short thirty-minute session. It always seems to clear my mind and set a better track for the day


Drink Water// This is actually something that I am pretty good about doing on a regular basis -  it has so many health benefits not to mention it makes your skin look amazing!

Get Plenty of Sleep// I am so bad about getting caught up in doing things late at night and staying up till 2 in the morning given the right circumstances

Find Time To Pamper Yourself// It is so easy to let this one fall through the cracks, but a little down town to do a facemask, watch your favorite movie, or just read a book goes so far

Eat Healthy// There are so many times that I go without eating breakfast, skip lunch, or eat something unhealthy for dinner. I for one can say for sure that eating better just makes you function better

Unwind Before Bed//  It is so important to put your phone away and computer away 30 minutes before bed, it affects your sleep in such a positive way!

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Disney Still Making Magic Happen

Is there anyone else out there who’s an adult, but still watches Disney movies!? There is just something about the opening scene of every Disney movie that awakes the child that still lives within you and brings you back to a time that was simpler in life and where magic and anything living within your imagination was still possible. 
I love how Disney has been recreating their classic animated movies with real people, I also walk away from them feeling so happy and light. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I was so taken away and transported into the real life Cinderella movie and Lilly James was so perfect for the part, and when I saw the Broadway Cinderella play it honestly fell short compared to the movie. 

I am beyond excited about the new Lion King movie being released this weekend. I remember being seven and going to see the animated version back in the 90s! My sister and I wore matching Lion King shirts and the 90’s shorts that went down to you knees… not going to lie, I kind of wish I still had my oversized Lion King shirt, because I would totally wear it when I go to see the new movie. 


Thursday, July 11, 2019

Summer Blues

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Blue and white are by far two of my all time favorite color combinations, there is just something about it that’s very clean, classic, and a little English. Basically, I instantly fall in love with all things blue, plus, who doesn’t look good in blue? It’s everyone’s best color. 
{Via}
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Friday, July 5, 2019

Happy Hour Time

Well helloooo Friday! It is so nice to finally see you again! I can hardly believe that the fourth of July has come and gone. I used to view the passing of the fourth as the downslide of summer, but now it means that fall is just that much closer! I hope everyone has some wonderful plans for the upcoming weekend. Here’s to good times spent with friends and family and great memories to be made. Cheers!

“Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as much as you live.”

Drink Special! 
Passenger List
½ounce brandy
½ounce dry gin
½ounce parfait d’amour
½ounce yellow chartreuse
1 dash pernod
Ice cubes
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Soul Music Festival at the Fairgrounds, Saturday, July 6, 2:00pm
Seaside, FL: Farmer Market at 30A, Saturday, July 6, 8:00am
Highlands, NC: The Get Right Band at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, Saturday, July 6, 6:00pm
Oxford, MS: Oxford Makers Market at Courthouse Square, Saturday, July 6, 10:00am
Little Rock, AR: Peach Fest at Faulkner Lake Orchard Wedding and Event Center, Saturday, July 6, 6:00am

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Fourth Of July Weekend Sales

A few things are always guaranteed when it comes to a long holiday weekend and one of those things is fantastic sales going on 24/7! This weekend is the perfect opportunity to stock up on some basic items and treat yourself to that dress you have been eyeing for a few weeks now… Below is a roundup of all my favorite sales currently going on!
Abercrombie// 50% off through out the store
Ann Taylor// 60% off select full-priced styles with code FIREWORK plus an extra 60% off sale styles
Anthropologie//Extra 50% off sale items
Banana Republic// extra 50% off sale styles, 40% off women’s style, and 30% off men’s styles
Brooks Brothers// Additional 25% off women’s summer sale
Country Club Prep// 20% off select styles
Gap// Extra 50% off markdowns 
L.L. Bean// save up to 50% off
Loft// Extra 60% off all sale styles
J. Crew// 40% off full-price styles plus an extra 50% off sale styles with code FIREWORK
J.Crew Factory// 60% - 70% off online only
Kate Spade// extra 40% off sale styles
KJP//  20% off site-wide with code AMERICA
Madewell// 25% off sumer must-haves with code FIREWORK
Marks and Graham// 20% off everything
One Kings Lane// 15% off orders over $300 with code KL20YES, 25% off orders over $600 with code OKL25YES, 30% off orders over $900 with code OKL30YES
Pottery Barn// 15% off $100 or more, 20% off $500 or more, 25% off $1,000 or more, 30% off $3,000 or more
Serena and Lily// 20% off everything with code GOCOASTAL
Tory Burch// End of season sale – extra 30% off with code EXTRA
Vineyard Vines// additional 30% off sale styles with code JULY 19
West Elm// 20% off your entire purchase plus free shipping with code FIREWORKS
Williams Sonoma// 20% off your order with code SUMMER

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Guest Post :: 5 Ways To Be A Better Party Host

One of mine, and almost everyone else’s favorite sayings out there is ‘the hostess with the mostest’ and that is something we all aspire to be when hosting a party. Some times though there is so much work to do on the tail end of things that it is at times a bit of a challenge to be at our best at the actual time of the party. Today Peter Minkoff is sharing 5 absolutely fabulous tips on how to be a better party host!
Throwing a party can be a bit of stress if you’re not experienced or you simply don’t know where to start. People often make mistakes when hosting parties, as they forget to divide their attention amongst all guests, or they’re trying to micromanage everything so, instead of having fun, they end up being too busy. If you’re looking to throw a party, here are some tips that will help you be a better party host:

1. Plan ahead

The organization is the key, no matter what you’ve heard before. Planning everything beforehand will help you be relaxed during the party. Make sure you have a complete guest list so you’ll know how to plan the catering and drinks. You don’t need to run around trying to keep everything and everyone in line, but at least try to ensure that everything’s running smoothly, and always have a plan B in case something happens. For those who prefer technology, there are some apps that can help you with organizing your perfect party. Many of them can let you create your personal to-do list or even a guest list. Also, provide your guests with all the necessary information, so they’ll be able to come without getting lost.

2. Make your guests feel welcome

good party host will always personally greet guests as they arrive, and preferably introduce guests to each other, so they’d feel more relaxed. If you don’t have waiters serving drinks, offer your guests a drink. In case you have a lot of people coming over, it’s more practical to have a bar and a person serving drinks, so you can just point them to a bar. Make sure to mingle and talk to all your guests equally, throughout the party. If there are too many people, you can even create a game that can be used to break the ice and make people get to know each other better. Invite only the people you feel comfortable with and if there are any grudges between some guests, make sure to talk to all of them before the party so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises or altercations. 

3. Create a relaxing atmosphere

The atmosphere will, of course, depend on the party itself. If you’re planning a disco party at the garden, make sure to get some strobe lights and a hire a DJ, but if you want just an intimate gathering, you can find nice, chill music like jazz, trip hop or reggae, and let your guests do their thing. Be sure to set the right mood by decorating the place with scented candle supplies as they can contribute to an intimate and friendly atmosphere. In case that’s not enough, you can add various bouquets or flower pots. The smell is extremely important especially if you have smokers coming, thus make sure to have a designated smoking area so there won’t be unpleasant odor during the party. 

4. Consider your guests’ dietary habits

Even if you decide to hire a catering service, it’s important to check your guests’ eating habits and food preferences. If you want, create a survey and email it to them. Some people have food allergies, others are vegan or lactose-intolerant, so make sure to include various eating options so everyone feels full and satisfied. In case you’re cooking, be sure to make the food you’re familiar with, as dinner party isn’t the best time to try out new recipes you’ve found online, no matter how tempting they might seem. Also, if your guests will be standing, it’s better to prepare finger food or canapes, so they won’t have to struggle with knives and forks. Additionally, don’t forget to include dessert and coffee at the end of the party. 

5. Relax and be yourself

It might be easier said and done, but the last thing you need at your party is to feel tense. Obviously, since you’re the host, you also need to be alert to a degree, but still, don’t forget to have fun. Don’t worry about cleaning up or dishes, because everything can wait till the next day. Focus on yourself and your friends, eat the food you’ve made and feel free to drink a bit more than usual. Dance, enjoy music, and don’t forget to joke and laugh!

In the end, there’s no such thing as a perfect host. Some people are hard to please and you should never focus on them. Instead, be grateful for all the friends you have in your life and remember that throwing a party is all about having a great time with the people you care about.