Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Fall Tones

 I am kind of amazed by how fast 2021 is going by; I honestly feel like it should be the start of the summer season, but I have to confess I am so beyond over the heat. Summer used to be my favorite time of the year, I think mainly because I associated it with school being out and not having to be accountable for very much. However, now fall is most definitely my most favorite season of the four seasons. I just love when that special morning comes around early September, and you step outside and you can feel the summer air breaking away into the crispness of fall. 

There are so many trends and colors that are going to be featured this fall, and I am seriously so excite. Cannot wait for the season of boots, coats, and layering! So obviously had to share a few of my favorite fall items I have come across so far!


One// Barbour Blue Mist Otterburn Gilet

First, so thrilled that blue is going to be a big color this year, because let’s be honest, blue should always be a big color – it looks great on everyone! I love the cut and quilted detail on this particular vest, plus, it is such a great piece to transition from fall to winter with

Two// Sarah Flint Reversible Face Scarf

To be 100% transparent I was really hoping we were going to be over the whole facemask thing by this summer or fall, but cute accessories like this definitely make things easier/more appealing. The way this scarf was designed is just so smart. I love how it can be worn/look like a regular scarf, but also has a facemask hidden within the design for when you need one! This is basically a travel must have right now!

Three// Rebecca Vallance Tancy Knit Sweater

Another fall trend I am loving is the oversized cardigan. Even, when this look isn’t in style I still love this look. It is always such an easy style to pull off with either leggings or jeans, and how adorable is this classic cadi in a white and black color combo?!

Four// Ulla Johnson Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

Bobbi Brown will always be one of my favorite makeup lines! Their products are just always so on point and I love how they go on. This shadow stick from the Ulla Johnson x Bobbi Brown colab is just a dream!

Five// Annie Bing Dionne Black Tweed Blazer 

Obviously, since I love the oversized cardigan trend, I love the oversize blazer trend. This Anine Bing blazer is just beyond beautiful! I love the double-breasted gold buttons against the fabric. Definitely a piece you will have in your closet for years to come!

Six// Roxanne Circle-Stud Earrings 

Is there ever such a thing as owning too many stud earrings? I like to think the answer to this question is absolutely not! I just love the gold against the white of these earrings.


Seven// YSL Rouge Pur Couture Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick

Two things that will never go out of style: red nail polish and red lips. Or, at least I hope the don’t, because red nail polish and red lipstick is my go-to 100% of the time! I love the red shade of this particular lipstick!

Eight// Susana Monaco High Waisted Flare Skirt 

This piece is such a great wardrobe basic! Love how it fits up a little higher and the cut is just so flattering!

Nine// Golden Goose Wish Star Boots

Who doesn’t love a good boot!? I just love how fun these boots are with the classic Golden Goose iconic star right on the front. Such a fun fall piece!

Ten// Pilcro The High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Pilcro make the most comfortable pair of pants and their fit is amazing! I love the color and how these pants fit, they are fantastic!

Eleven// Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt

It always amazes me how much a belt can transform and entire outfit. It can take a regular shirt dress from drab to fab in just a few quick seconds. I think the way this one fastens is just so cute and flattering!

Twelve//  Sea Lina Eyelet Long Sleeve Combo Sweatshirt 

I just love the detailed sleeves that keep coming out – they just completely make a shirt! This one has such a fun and famine vibe to it; the details are just incredible!

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Recent Favorite Purchases

 Does anyone else ever stress shop? I blame the Internet and PayPal and Apple Pay for this… I don’t do this very often, but every once in a blue moon I will go on a stress filled shopping spree. I have had my eye on a few things/have been lusting after a couple items for a while, so I figure a little treat me moment is a need every now and then. Life is short, buy the dress and have that extra glass of wine… right? Anyhow, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things I have purchased recently! 

One// Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag

I have been lusting after this bag since it first made its debut. I had a credit to put towards the purchase so decide to indulge myself in a complete splurge moment… I’m proud to say that I have no regrets at all over this purchase! The bag is just stunning and I love the tan and blush interior of the Radziwill Double Bag. Definitely a bag that will stand the test of time.

 

Two// Silk and Rice Bran Soap

I have watched so many Vouge Makeup and Beauty Routine videos lately and I always love how they link the products used in each video. This soap with featured in a video with Liv Tyler, and I love it; definitely a noted difference in the quality of my skin

Three// Free People Olympia Tunic

I am so over the heat and humidity that the end of summer brings… honestly, by the time August rolls around Nashville starts to feel a little swampy… I am always sad to see summer go, but definitely ready for the air to give way to a nice crispy breeze. Obviously, since I’m dreaming of fall, I just couldn’t pass this sweater over. I love the material and the fit. Super flattering; cannot wait to wear with leggings while a fire is crackling in the background

 

Four// Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask

New find, amazing price, and I am now obsessed with this Mask. It pulls all the impurities from your skin and makes your skin feel a little firmer

Five// Hotel Collection Black Velvet Candle 

If you are ever in need of a self-care/self-love moment, this is the company for you. They make the best smelling home fragrances and I just love their candles. Lately I have been loving the Black Velvet scent. Use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout to receive an extra 20% off your Hotel Collection purchase! 

 

Six// Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress

As you all probably know, the Nap Dress has been all over the Internet, and for good reason. I finally hopped on the Nap Dress bandwagon last week and I am now officially a fan of this dress! It is so flattering, comfortable, and their prints are just beautiful! Be sure to size down, runs big

Seven// Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers

I have been on the fence for the longest time of whether to purchase a pair of Golden Goose sneakers or not… I always have loved how the look on other people, but wasn’t sure if I would like how they look on me… In the end I am so glad that I finally splurged on a pair!

 

Eight// Lulu Lemon All Yours Tank Top

The only time I like for a workout top to fit tight is for a yoga class, other than that I prefer tops that are a little lose fitting. I just tried this top from LuLuLemon and I’m in love; I’ll take one in every color, please!

Nine// Mi Golondrina Flores Midi Dress Celebrar la Cuarta Azul

I love these dresses and I have wanted to try one of their midi dress for the longest time, but every time I found a print or color I liked they were out of my size, but they finally had one in stock in my size that I just love! 

Friday, August 20, 2021

My Favorite Summer Time Recipes

 This might sound like the weirdest comment ever, but I feel like some recipes are seasonal, some are transitional, and some are appropriate all year long… a little like fashion, maybe? Does anyone else feel this way… Fair warning, I hope you all like chicken dishes… growing up, as a family we never cook fish at home because my sister has a seafood allergy and then I am not a big beef person… so chicken and pasta are probably the obvious choices for favorites. 

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

This is definitely a year-round dish in my opinion… I mean, let’s be honest though, when isn’t it the right time for Mexican themed food? I like to think the time is always right! This dish is so easy to make, super healthy, tasty, and easy to clean up! 

 

Ina Garten Chicken Piccata

If I could just spend a day in the kitchen with Ina Garten and Jennifer Garner I feel like my life would be complete. I love this dish served over a simple salad and it not only taste amazing, but it will also make you kitchen smell wonderful! However this is 100% a summer dish in my opinion.

 

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken

This is the perfect weekend night dinner for when you are running short on time, but still want to be healthy. I usually serve this with Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes and a salad. Side note: I usually use about half a stick of butter and lay the lemon over the chicken while it bakes just so everything is a little more tender and juicy! 

 

Paula Deen Lemon Linguine

Embarrassing confession: I went to a Paula Deen book signing {yes, I actually did this…} about a decade ago, and I was so star struck by her… definitely embarrassed myself, but she is the queen of butter, so there’s that. This is such a great summer dish. It taste so fresh and I honestly just love the smell and flavor of lemons. Side note: I usually double the ingredients for the sauce for the simple reason that I like a good amount of sauce on my pasta… also be generous with the milk and butter and don’t be afraid to add a little extra as you’re cooking the sauce.

 

Ina Garten Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce

Anything that is in an Ina Garten cookbook is basically guaranteed to be completely amazing! I love cooking any dish that lists wine as one of the ingredients just because it makes me feel a little ‘french’. This dish is so simple to make and just taste amazing! This is another recipe that would be a fabulous week night dinner when you are running short on time. Simple, easy, delicious, and easy clean up!  

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Vogue Beauty

 Confession: I never really wore makeup on a daily basis till after I graduated college.. blame it on going to an all-girls high school, but I never really saw the need to wear makeup to go to a class… However, after it became a necessity, and let’s all just say thank goodness for the invention of YouTube tutorials. Since then I have really gotten into makeup and different beauty routines. I actually find the process of applying makeup relaxing now… it’s kind of like painting on a canvas, but trying to look as classic and natural at the same time. 

I still love watching beauty and makeup YouTube tutorials and routines; it is always so fun to see what other’s do, pick up a few tips, and learn about a few new products. Recently I came across a series Vogue has done featuring different actors and models beauty secrets. I love seeing what products some of my favorite actresses use, hearing what tips and tricks they have picked up over the years, completely geeking out when they use a product I have, and Vogue has even linked all the makeup and products used in the description of each video incase you spot a product you would like to try.  So of course, I had to share a few of my favorite from this series!


Saturday, August 7, 2021

My Self-Care Essentials

 Taking a little time for your self every now and then is so important, especially in this day in age. I feel like so much has happened since the start of 2020 both on a global level, personal level, and such drastic lifestyle changes over the course of such a short time. Sometimes I honestly find myself staying up way too late going down the rabbit hole of thinking about certain things. I am so glad that we are starting to go back to a way of normalcy {fingers crossed it stays that way}, even though we all still need to be careful. 

Remember to be gentle to yourself and that it is okay to carve out a little time just for yourself when you are in need of it. 

One// Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask

This beauty product is a 10/10 for me. It is so easy to apply, you leave it on overnight, and the results are amazing! I use this specific product two – three times a week.


Two// Lake Pajama Turkish Terry Robe

Obviously a robe is a ‘need’ for any self-care night… So in love with the style of this particular Lake robe. The belt is what drew me to this one…

 

Three// Lord Jones CBD Bundle

First off CBD in no way makes you feel ‘high’ it’s just supposed to help calm and center your energy. I recently tried Lord Jones’ CBD oil and I love it! It leaves no after taste or weird texture and I love how they offer then in different citrus flavors

Four// Hotel Collection ‘Gatsby Dream On Candle’

Love, love, love this fragrance! Plus, all of Hotel Collection’s candles have a ridiculously long burn time. Love this company and their candles! Use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your Hotel Collection order

Five// Roller Rabbit Hathi PJ Set

I have these exact pajamas and pink and the material is amazing! Lightweight, warm, and I love the texture of the fabric. Such a splurge for pajamas, but completely worth it!  

 

Six// Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Honeycomb Blanket

Barefoot Dreams is the most appropriate name company in existence, because all of their products are literally a dream! Their Blankets are such a luxury and perfect for any self-care/movie night/cozy day occasion. I really love this one just because it’s light enough to use during the summer months, but also warm enough to use during the winter. 

 

Seven// The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron

In my honest opinion, a good book is always a must! I just started this book, I am only 30ish pages in, but already so hooked! 

 

Eight// Lululemon Align High-Rise

Please tell me I am not the only person out there who prefers the Lulu high-rise in any style… Is there anything more comfortable on a self-care night than your favorite leggings and an oversized shirt?

 

Nine// You’ve Got Mail

At this point I am convinced that You’ve Got Mail will forever be my favorite movie. It was the first rom-com movie that my pre-teen self  actually got, and of course I ended up crying at the end. Favorite movies and nights meant for yourself just seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly

 


Ten// Skin Gym Buffy Gua Sha Tool

I have become such a fan of all things Skin Gym over the past couple of years. I used to be such the skeptic of facial rolling… well, I am here to tell you that believe it or not, yes, it actually does work! I can always tell a difference in the quality of my skin after using the buffy tool or the facial roller. I was also surprised to find that these tools actually help to relieve allergies as well. Highly recommend in investing in one of Skin Gym’s products!

 

Eleven// Olay Body Was with Vitamin C and Vitamin B3

If you have not tried this product yet, then you are seriously missing out! Love this. Buy it. Promise you will not regret the purchase!

Twelve// Steams Colorblock Socks

Last, but not least, socks. After all, what is a self-care night without a pair of the most perfect socks…

Friday, August 6, 2021

July Reading List

 It always amazes me that give or take one day every month of the year is basically the same length, but some go by like the snap of the finger and others just seem to crawl by. For me July felt like the longest month, ever. Honestly, thought it would never end… I am so glad to be in a new month, even though it started off without water due to storm {yikes!}. Full transparency, July was such an emotionally draining month and I was so tired most nights, so I mainly listened to audiobooks and I just read one physical book {I know, I know…terrible…}, but three out of the four book I very much recommend! 

Perennials , by Julia Cantrell

I listened to this book on Audio back at the beginning of July and completely fell in love with the story line. Family drama, a love story, the pull to return home, and the stress of managing a career from afar. 

 

Eva, better known as Lovey, grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by family history, beautiful gardens, and literary legends.  Sadly, a shed fire Lovey’s older sister, Bitsy, blames her for turns her world upside. When Lovey turns eighteen she is more than ready to escape the cloud of guilt Bitsy has cast over her and the suffocating feeling of being in her sister’s shadow. Lovely finds success in the world of advertisement and creates a fabulous. Soon or later though situations always bring us back home… 

 

Such a fun and entertaining read. I highly recommend!

 

The Dream Guy Next Door, by Lauren Blakely

Confession: I downloaded this book on audible because it was free and the cover of the audiobook is pink… This was a fun read, but I honestly wasn’t that impressed with the storyline; it seemed a little cliché and at times some of the scene turned into adult bookstore-ish… 

 

Golden Girl, by Elin Hilderbrand

I kind of want to be Elin Hilderbran when I grownup… writes a book or two every year and lives in Nantucket… yes, please!

 

I cannot recommend ‘Golden Girl’ enough. This novel has such a touching storyline and is perfectly, imperfectly tied up at the very end. Vivian Howe, author and resident of Nantucket {also love how Hilderbrand put a little of herself in this book}, is killed in a hit-and-run accident while jogging near her home on an ideal day in June. Martha is welcomed to Heaven by Martha, her ‘person’, who guides her through her transitional period and allows Vivi to watch over her children. 

 

This is such a great summer read with such an interesting perspective on certain things.

 

The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles

This is probably my second favorite book of 2021 thus far. It was just so well written and I loved how Charles was able to seamlessly go back and forth between the 19080’s and the 1930’s/1940’s. 

 

In 1939 Paris a young Odile has life by the tail. She just started her new job at the American Library in Paris, has a handsome boyfriend, and a brother she is very close with. When the Nazis come to Paris everything in Odile’s life seems like it is hanging by a thread… her brother enlist to join the war effort, the library is forced to turn certain customers away, and her boyfriend is not the quality of person she thinks he is. 

 

Fast forward to small-town Montana, 1983, where Odile is an elderly person and his a very curious teenage neighbor, Lily, who comes to adore Odile, the French language, and becomes very curious of Odile’s past and her part she played in the resistance. 

Monday, August 2, 2021

Hotel Collection

 I always love discovering new companies or ‘new-to-me’ companies. It is always so interesting to me to see what concepts individuals come up with, their own personal twist, and how they choose to market and package their items. Recently the opportunity to work with Hotel Collection, a luxury home fragrance company, and I completely love the twist they have put on their products. 

Each home fragrance scent is inspired by an iconic hotel, which I think is so fun. It’s like bringing a piece vacation self-care and serenity to the comfort of your own home. Their most recent collection, the Gatsby Collection, is really just a dream; after all, who can resist any collection inspired by an F. Scott’s Fitzgerald classic, complete with a very aesthetically pleasing design!? This collection was designed to transport back in time to the social events and lifestyle of the roaring twenties. The collection also included Hotel’s collection classic fragrances.

I so adore how this company is a full service home fragrance company and the fact that they offer the same fragrances across the board for all of their products: candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, etc. Personally, I love this aspect just becomes it prevents having competing scents and they offer a discover candle set so you can discover your favorite fragrance or find fragrances that compliment each other. ‘Dream On’ {inspired by Westin Hotels} and ‘Black Velvet’ {inspired by Edition Hotels – they both have a fresh soothing scent that is just perfectly balanced in every way. 

 

Use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order! Seriously one of my current favorite companies and their candles have a ridiculously long burn time {huge bonus in my book as far as candles go}! If you haven’t checked out the Hotel Collection web site or their products I highly recommend you do!