A Touch of Southern Grace

 At the start of the year I set a goal for myself that I would read a hundred books for the year of 2021 {give or take a few}, and I am still going to try to land as close to that number as possible, but I have a feeling I am definitely going to fall somewhat short on that particular goal. 

The summer honestly felt like a whirlwind and I for one am glad that a new season has greeted us with a cool gentle breeze. I had a lot of family things going on the past few months, and all the months have just really seemed to melt into one another. I normally put together a monthly reading list around the first of every month, but I have dragged my feet on publishing one for the simple reason, that I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I only read one book during the month of August… and I didn’t even read it, read it, because it was an audio book… However, I am glad to say I am making more progressing with my reading this month! I am currently finishing up book 4 and starting on book 5. For now though, here is a review of the one book I did read/listen to during the month of August.

How To Change A Life, by Stacey Ballis

 I literally cannot remember the last time I put together a ‘Links I’m Loving’ post. Things have just been so crazy and I feel like it is getting harder and harder to grab the string of time. I’m starting to wonder if telling myself ‘things will calm down’ is just a kind lie I am telling myself. I am going to be optimistic and say that it’s not and that things will truly slow down and the sails of time will soon shift in a calmer direction. But for now, here are a few links that I am completely loving!

P.S. The candles in the photo are from Hotel Collection; they smell completely divine and you can receive 20% off your order when you use code: ATOUCHOFSOUTHERNGRACE20 at checkout!

One// The Chair

 I know it is still technically summer, but I am so ready for a change of season, and fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I feel like I didn’t really have a summer this year… my grandmother passed away and I have spent the past couple months helping sort through her things, and the months have just seemed to melt into one another; I honestly feel like it should still be June. Needless to say, a change would be much welcomed.

I love when the thick sweetness of the summer season starts to fade into the cool crispness of fall. Plus, I love fall and winter fashion; give me all the sweaters, jackets, and layers, please! I cannot wait to be able to break out a few of my favorite chunky sweaters and classic blazers and thought I would a few of my most recent favorites with you all!

Free People Never mind Cardi// I am completely loving the oversize cardigan trend that is currently happening. I love the fabric of this one and the fact that it is perfect for an everyday casual fall look

Dudley Stephens Palmer Puff Sleeve Turtleneck// I have finally hopped on the Dudley Stephens bandwagon and I am loving the ride so far! I love the puff sleeve detail on this particular palmer – it just takes it to the next level and makes it a little easier to dress it up. Side Note: definitely go up one size. 

Chai Removable Dickey Sweater// Confession: I am currently having a love/hate relationship with the collar trend… I am not a fan of the oversize collars at all, they can stay on the set of Little House on the Prairie as far as I am concerned, but I really like the smaller ones. I love the color of this sweater and I love the fact that the collar is removable so you can wear it with or without the collar. 

J. Crew Classic Lady Day Coat in Italian Double-Cloth Wool// This is hands down one of my favorite J. Crew coats. The style is just so classic and I love how flattering the waistline is.

Dorset Blazer in Albermarle Plaid// Can one person ever have too many blazers? I like to think the answer to that question is a firm ‘no’. I love the look of a slightly oversized blazer and the plaid print on this one is just perfection!

Canada Goose Alliston Jacket// I have been debating whether or not to invest in a Canada Goose coat for years, and this year might be the year I finally cave. The cut, length, and style of this one just makes it so easy to wear

Helene Berman Faux Fur-Trimmed Knit Coat// This coat is most definitely a statement piece in the most amazing way. I mean, how fabulous would it look with a black on black outfit1?

 I honestly feel like it was just Memorial Day Weekend… I feel like this summer season was so unusual for me, personally, that I honestly like I didn’t really have a summer… However, it is a well-known fact that time marches on whether you are ready for it to or not. 

One thing I love about any holiday are the fabulous sales that are associated with them. Labor Day sales are always the perfect opportunity to stock up on a few wardrobe staples, do a little early Christmas shopping, or just treat yourself to something that you have had your eye on. So… without further delay, below is a list of all the Labor Day Sales I have come across!

Abercrombie// 40% off select styles

 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!