A Touch of Southern Grace

Since it is sandal officially sundress and sandal season, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to share an honest review of the Sarah Flint sandals I currently own and highlight the two new sandals that Sarah Flint has currently released for the 2022 summer season!

I feel like it is only appropriate to start with the Sarah Flint Great Sandal. Sarah Flint has been around since about 2014, and I feel like this style has been in her collection of shoes almost since the start of the company. I honestly hadn’t heard of Sarah Flint till about 2016 or 2017 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were dating and were all anyone could talk about. I know we all have mixed feelings about Meghan Markle, but one thing we can’t deny is she has good taste, and was/is constantly seen wearing Sarah Flint’s Natalie Flat and the Grear Sandal {and a few other Sarah Flint shoes}. There is a reason why Sarah Flint shoes are so popular among the celebrity circle, and comfort is most definitely one of those reasons.

 

I own the Grear sandal in about 5 different colors… They are so comfortable right out of the box, I love how versatile the style is, the fact they lace up like a point shoe, and they are so comfortable! The oldest pair I have is three years old and has held up amazingly well! I honestly feel like everyone should have at least one pair of Grears in their wardrobe.

Next up is the Mirjana Sandal. This particular sandal was released last spring/summer and is now available in five different colors! I recently purchased the Mirjana in Gold Nappa in March and a loved them so much that a few weeks later I purchased them in the Amalfi Blue Vachetta. Recently I have been wearing my Mirjanas slightly more than my Grear sandals for the simple fact that they are just so easy to slide on and go, plus, I love the intricate bow detail. These shoes are such an investment piece and so timeless, highly recommend these for a wardrobe staple as well!

Sarah Flint’s Perfect Block Sandal is one of the few heels that I can actually tolerate… Side effect of going to Catholic schools and wearing saddle shoes, bucks, and loafers for most of my school career, but I usually do not tolerate heels well at all… Sarah Flint heels are literally the only pair of heels I own that I don’t feel the need to add a Dr Scholl’s gel heel liner to, all my other heels that aren’t Sarah Flint are lined with gel inserts. All Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandals and pumps contain a wider toe box, extra padding {which makes all the difference}, arch support, and extra support for the heel structure itself. I actually find myself wearing my Block Sandals even when the occasion doesn’t call for a heel. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these shoes. The extra details, cushion and support just makes all the difference. If you have a summer event that requires a heel, I highly recommend these, and the are available in a 30, 60, and 90 heel height! 

The next two pair of sandals are shoes that I actually don’t own yet, but both were recently released, and the designs are just too timeless not to share.

 

The Mirjana Wedge has the same intricate bow detail as the Mirjana Sandal and is made on the same last as the block sandal, and includes the same arch support and extra padding as the block sandal. I feel like these wedges have a major Allie Hamilton/The Notebook {movie} vibe about them. These wedges come in a 50 and 80 heel height and would be so easy to dress up or down, plus they have a beautifully timeless look to about them.

Last but not least is Sarah Flint’s newest sandal release, the Arabesque Slide. I feel like these slides go so perfect with the ‘Coastal Grandmother’ {aka Nancy Myers vibe} look that is currently on trend. I mean, how amazing would the look with a skirt or a pair of jeans and a linen shirt. If Nancy Myers makes a movie anything soon, these slides definitely need to make an appearance. I feel like the whole Coastal Grandmother term is just a different term for simplistic elegance, and these shoes have, without a doubt, a timeless elegance about them.

 

Remember to use my code SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint Shoes! Or click here to be directed to the Sarah Flint site and automatically have $50 off added to your checkout! 

Ann Taylor// Extra 60% off all sale styles 

Anthropologie// Extra 40% off all sale items

Ballard Designs// 20% off sitewide

Blissy// Save up to 25% 

Bloomingdales// Extra 50% off Sale

Brooks Brothers// 30% off almost everything

Club Monaco// 25% off everything with code: 25OFF

Country Club Prep// 20% off site-wide

Dudley Stephens// 40% off with code DUDLEYVIP

Free People// Extra 25 % off all sale items

J. Crew// Extra 60% off sale style plus 30% off almost everything else with code: SUMMER

J. Crew Factory// 40% to 70% off entire site

J. McLaughlin// Up to 40% off

Kiel James Patrick// Extra 25% off sale items 

Loft// Extra 15% off your purchase with code: SUMMER

Madewell// 25% off everything plus, extra 30% off sale

Marks & Graham// Warehouse Sale Up to 70% off

One Kings Lane// Up to 25% off site wide

Sail to Sable// 30% off with code HELLOSUMMER

Sarah Flint// Use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint Shoes

Serena & Lily// 20% off everything with code: WAVES

Shopbop// Up to 50% off designer sale

Willams-Sonoma// Warehouse Sale up to 70%% off

Sarah Flint is a shoe and accessories company that made its debut in 2014. I found out about them a few years ago and have been such a fan ever since. These Perfect Emma pumps are so perfect for any summer occasion, and lets face facts, who doesn’t love a gold shoe!? Use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!!

Two// Magnolia Table, Volume 2

I tried Joanna Gaines’ Minestrone soup over the winter and it was the best minestrone soup I have ever had. Ever since I have been wanting to try a few more of her recipes and recently purchased both of her cookbooks. They are both amazing, but the recipes in the second book just look like a slice of comfort food heaven

Three// Lili Lerch x Belle of the Ball Coastal Grandmother Collection

Completely in love with this collection and the whole coastal grandmother trend that is currently happening – it is all very Nancy Myers. If you are on the coastal grandmother vibe than this collection is most definitely for you!

Four// Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients

Is it just me or does anyone else find cooking shows and cooking anything relaxing? This is such a fun little YouTube series to watch; as you might have guessed from the title a home cook and professional chef switch ingredients and it is always interesting to see what they each make of what they are given

Five// Mi Golondrina Francesea Neutral Floral 

For the past few summers I have been such a fan of Mi Golondrina dresses; they are just such an easy something to put on and are perfect for summer. I love how they are starting to incorporate a few new designs into their collection, and I especially love this one shoulder dress. It is just so flattering and perfect for any summer gatherings 

Absolutely Love historical anything, so obviously historical tv shows are definitely up my alley. I will admit, I wasn’t too eager to watch ‘The First Lady’, because I am sooooooo tired of politics and hearing about politics {it’s an important topic though and it’s good to be informed, but still…}. I was hooked within the first five seconds of the first episode. ‘The First Lady’ follows the journey of Michelle Obama, Betty Ford {really wish I could be bffs with her!}, and Eleanor Roosevelt on their journey to becoming First Lady and actually assuming the position. If you didn’t love these women before you watched this series, you will love them after! Highly recommend!

Two// Julia

Fair warning: if accents irritate you, then this is not a tv series for you, however, if you don’t mind or love an accent, then I highly recommend this new HBOMax series! I absolutely loved this series and have my fingers crossed for a season two. The series tells the story of how Julia Child first started out with her tv cooking series and follows her journey through the first season she hosted ‘The French Chef’. I’m feel safe in saying that she was probably the Martha Stewart of her time {minus everything being perfect 100% of the time}. If you are a fellow Julia Child fan, I cannot recommend this show enough

Three// Senior Year

I think this is a movie that we all needed right about now. The news has been so heavy lately and for the past two years it seems like there has constantly been something negative going on, on a world-wide level. I think it’s safe to say that we all need a little a humor and light heartedness in our life right about now. Rebel Wilson does such a great job in this movie, and really brings a fun spirit to the screen. 

Four// Bewitched

I am kind of obsessed with the original Bewitched tv series. I watch it every day when I workout and I am so envious of some of Samantha’s clothes. Some of the fashion is seriously timeless. I love older shows and the fact that the story lines are upbeat and entertaining. 

Five//Girls5eva

The new season of Girls5eva just came out and can be streamed on Peacock. To be super honest, this is a pretty mindless show you can just get lost in. Plus, Sara Bareilles is the main character, and who doesn’t love Sara Bareilles?!

Alice runs a flower shop in New Orleans with her aunt, who has been by her side ever since Alice’s mother went missing during Hurricane Katrina. On the night of Valentine’s a handsome man arrives at the flower shop just before closing, causing him and Alice to get off on a tense footing. A little while late, Alice finds herself waiting outside of a restaurant for a double date with her friends and a mystery man they have fixed her up with. To Alice’s surprise she soon discovers that her blind date is the man from her flower shop, and that the flowers were intended for her. After making it through a somewhat awkward dinner he soon wins Alice over and feelings of more than just friends start to bloom between them. 

160 years before Alice, Clara was living through her own story during the Civil War in 1861 Charleston. With the encouragement of her cousin and without her father’s knowledge, Clara becomes an abolitionist. She becomes a spy for the union side with the assistance of a slave, Rose, who works in her family’s home. Like Alice, Clara also finds herself falling in love with a fellow abolitionist. Things soon take an unexpected turn and Clara and Alice are forced to take certain actions, causing a whole other chain of events.

Both women are faced with a sense of the unknown, but also with the endless possibilities of the future. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. Where the Last Rose Blooms is actually the third book in a series, I definitely plan to read the first, but I have to say, I did not feel lost at all in the storyline starting with the third book. Mystery, love, friendship, family, history, a beautifully painted setting, this story has a little something of everything, and will draw you in from the very first page.

Senior Year is the newest Rebel Wilson Movie that was just released on Netflix. I think it is safe to say that we are all in need of a little bit of light-heartedness right about now. I watch this movie earlier and it was such a fun escape! Highly recommend this movie for the weekend, especially if you need a bit of a pick-me-up!

Two// Ina Garten Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad

Fact: Every single Ina Garten recipe I have ever made has turned out fantastically well! This salad just screams summer to me and look so fresh and beautiful. I will be making this in the very near future…

Three// Sarah Flint Grear Sandal

I basically have a love affair with these sandals. They are perfect for Spring, Summer, and early Fall, plus they are so comfortable! I literally have them in four different colors… needless to say, they are my go-to sandals. These are sandals are an investment and something that you will have for years to come. Be sure to use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!!

Four// The First Lady

I have only watched the first episode of this series, but so far, The First Lady is simply amazing. The series follows Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Elanor Roosevelt through their journey of entering into and becoming the First Lady. 

Five// Hill House Home Swimwear 

I think it is safe to say that Hill House Home is probably best know for the item that first put them on everyone’s radar, the Ellie Nap Dress. A couple days ago Hill House Home just launched their first collection of swimwear, and it is so beautiful. I love how they chose to do a print and a solid in each style and the added details to add a little extra layer details they added. I haven’t purchased one yet {definitely plan to}, but if they are anything like the nap dresses, I’m sure the fit is amazing! 

I am a little late to the whole Glossier scene, but now I am such a fan of their products. I love their serums, but Super Pure is my new favorite. It’s lightweight enough to wear at night along with your face cream or during the day with makeup. The difference this serum make in skin quality over the course of 2 or 4 weeks is just amazing! Honestly cannot recommend this product enough!

Sarah Flint Mirjana Sandals

I have been such a fan of Sarah Flint shoes for years and was so excited to recently have the opportunity to work with the brand. Over the years I have purchased 15 pairs of Sarah Flint shoes, and now that I am working with them and learning more about their process I have fallen even more in love with the Sarah Flint company and their products. The Mirjana Sandal in Amalfi Blue Vachetta {incase you are wondering, I also own this pair in Gold Nappa… } and the color and fit are just stunning! Use my code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID at checkout to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!!!

 

J. Crew Broken-in Jersey Maxi Dress

In case you can’t tell, I am a slight fan of blue…I will be wearing this dress at least once a week; it is so soft and flowy, and just perfect for a Southern Summer! It does seem to run a little big, so I would definitely suggest sizing down one size!

LuluLemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short

I honestly was not too big on the whole biker style shorts when they first started to trend a few years ago, but now they are my favorite thing to wear when I workout. I recently purchased Misty Glade in the Wunder Train High-Raise Short and the color is just so beautiful and I love how comfortable they are. If you haven’t purchased from Lulu before be sure to go up at least one size!

 

English Factory Smocked Waist Skirt 

I have worn this skirt so much since it arrived, and I love how versatile it is! It is a wonderful transitional piece. Fits TTS and can be worn with an endless amount of different tops and shoes.

 

APL TechLoom Phantom Sneakers

I feel like these shoes are almost too pretty to wear for a workout… The different colors, weaves, and styles they are available in are just beautiful. I recently purchased this pair and they look so great with leggings, jeans, or short. I usually wear mine to run leggings, but they would definitely make a wonderful workout shoes as well!

Full confession: I had never heard of this book before, but when the title popped up in my Audible recommendations, I knew I had to read it, because Grace Kelly’s name was included in the title. This book was actually a pretty fun read. It covered three generations of women who all wore a wedding inspired Grace Kelly’s and the love story that went along with each woman’s life

Two// The Cave Dwellers, by Christina McDowell

I have to say, I was not a fan of this book at all… but someone else might love it! I’m honestly really tired of the news, politics, etc. and this book is set in D.C., so naturally this book does involve that element. Aside from that though, I felt like the book had a slanted viewpoint and that there really wasn’t a lot of balance to the storyline. There is also a very detailed murder at the start of the book… McDowell can clearly write and include historical facts to strength her story, but I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary details and side stories that really didn’t go anywhere. On a positive note, I will say that she did a very nice job of describing the physical landscape of D.C.

Three// The Girls in the Stilt House, by Kelly Mustain 

Maybe I waited a little too long to read this and my expectation level was just too high, because I have heard really good things about this book, but I wasn’t blown away by the storyline… Two girls form a meaningful bond in a very unconventional way. They come to depend on each other in different ways, and must learn how to navigate a dangerous world of bootleggers and general moral corruptness. 

I love how this Jewelry case can be used for travel or even for everyday use. The color is just so soft and beautiful and I love how the compartments are organized

Two// Sarah Flint Natalie Sling in Stitch Textile

These slings are timeless. Any Sarah Flint shoe is such an investment and a treat for anyone. These are shoes that will be around for years to come and will look simply fabulous with any spring or summer outfit! Use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENAID to receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes {code is valid online and in stores} 

Three// Hotel Collection Candle Trio Gift Set

I love how lighting one of these candles is like taking a mini vacation from the comfort of your own home. Each fragrance is inspired by an iconic hotel. Use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 to receive 20% off your purchase!

Four// Veja

These are most definitely the casual running shoe of the moment. They look great with anything from workout clothes to jeans, and even dresses and skirts

Five// Vietri Hibiscus Glass Cobalt Bud Vase

This is hands down one of my most favorite flower vases! It comes in so many colors and always looks so beautiful

Six// Krewe St. Louis Sunglasses

Love these sunglasses. They are such a classic with a modern twist

Seven// Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette

Bronze and golds are always right for any skin tone. This pallet is just dreamy 

Eight// Creed Wind Flowers

Creed is a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. One thing that I appreciate about this brand is that all ingredients are 100% natural so the fragrance never turns bad and develops an alcohol scent. Creed is an iconic brand and even created a signature fragrance back in the day for Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Kennedy. Wind Flower is their latest fragrance, and it smells absolutely divine!  

Nine// J. McLaughlin Joyce Rattan Picnic Tote

I am 100% here for the wicker bag movement, and lets face facts, what mom wouldn’t love this summer’s trend

Ten// Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Small Bag

How fabulous is the Lee Radziwill collection?! These classic lines are something anyone would appreciate. I also really adore how these bags can be tailored to fit anyone’s style

Eleven// DryBar Reserve 3-in-1 Interchangeable Blow Dryer

I feel like this would be a perfect gift for any mom, but especially those with very young children. It is basically an all in one hair tool for blow dry to styling, and just great for anyone who is on the go!

Twelve// LuluLemon Align High-Rise Pant

I feel like Lulu has a cult following, and I am one of the followers. This pair of leggings is just so flattering and slimming

Complexion// I think improvement in complexion is the thing I noticed most. Aside from coke, water is my next favorite drink, so this could also be a contributing factor, but my skin looks so much better than it did at the start of March. My skin tone is so even, and I have very little redness.

Weight// After about a week and a half I noticed that my body let go of some of the bloat it had been holding on to, and I lost a little bit of weight from cutting it out of my daily diet

Eating less sugar// Who doesn’t love chocolate and other sugary treats!? I usually treat myself to a few chocolate related items throughout the day, but noticed that once I gave up coke, I also lost my craving for other sugary items

More Energy// Coke is something I drink throughout the day to give me a little bump, but I noticed without as much sugar running through my body, I actually had more energy than I normally would have 

If you have been trying to improve your life through healthy habits than I strongly recommend cutting coke out of your diet, or at least giving it a try!