5.30.2013

"Blog Nashville" Brings You H&Margaritas

Hi Again Friends!  I am so excited to finally share some news about a little something Jessica, the amazing blogger over at Here&Now, and I have been working on.  So you know how some of you live in a city where all the bloggers are connected, know one another, go to fun events, and are bursting at the seems with collaborations.  So shockingly Nashville doesn't have that.  There are some pockets of bloggers here and there that know one another, but no real effort has been made to get all these wonderful people together (especially us beauty and fashion bloggers).  

So Jessica and I are here to change that with the creation of "Blog Nashville."  That's right, we want to get all of you Nashville bloggers out there together, so we can support one another.  No fee, no special requirements, no certain amount of followers...you just need to have a blog and want to meet other bloggers.  I guess you could still hang if you did not want to meet other bloggers, but not sure how that would work out, but I don't care, we just want you to join in on the fun. 

We are standing here with open arms, well "here" specifically will be next week for "H&Margaritas" to celebrate the opening of H&M at Opry Mills next Thursday, June 6th from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  We will kick things off at the Opry Mills Chuy's at 6:45 p.m. for Margaritas {or your beverage of choice} and top the night off with a little shopping at the new H&M.  
Interested?  Just RSVP to BlogNashvilleTN@gmail.com. 

So excited for the first "Blog Nashville" event, and please remember the more bloggers the merrier....or should that be bloggier...but seriously, we hope to see you there.  Happy Thursday...again...J
      

Day 30/184 Days of NO Shopping..

So I really can't believe that May is almost up and I have not shopped.  Not the whole time.  Really! Are you reading this?  I promise I will not be this annoying every month, but I am thrilled!  Definitely starting to get more creative and really appreciate all of those items tucked away in my closet that I have not seen in a while.  I did fall in love with THIS clutch after seeing it on APOT.  I have some extra moneys in my pocket from a recent project, and it would have been hard to say no under usual circumstances, but I am happy to say that money went somewhere else. 

So the recap from my first month of NO SHOPPING in May.  What I did not buy...
Kayu Clutch $170.00
Total Savings: $507.30 

So the reflection after my first month of NO SHOPPING in May.  
1.  Still dreaming about that jean vest and those BLANK jeans.
2.  Realized I loved that forever dress on my blogger buddy, who is a brunette.  Really don't think it would have looked that great on me.
3. Have found that I have really similar pieces to the bracelet and zara dress I was hoping for, so I am glad I did not get them.  
4.  I have a lot of items that have not felt the love for a while, and it is great to be really taking time to sort out what I have.
5.  Feels great to have saved so much money this month.
6.  This really only included the things on line that I saw.  Did not include some of the goodies I saw out window shopping.  Lets not get in to it.  All you need to know is that I did not buy anything. 
7. I have some very sweet family members. (Mumsey and Anne I am talking to you).  They know how hard I am trying to achieve this goal so they might have sent some gifts this month.  Happy to be the owner of a new pair of these and these.

Now that does not mean I miss the thrill of finding that perfect item.  So could some of you maybe share any great finds or purchases you have had lately?  Let me in on a little bit of the fun.  Happy Thursday...J
 



5.29.2013

Shop Your Closet: Orange Jacket

 
So if you have found yourself around DahliaLynn lately you know that I recently did the insane.  I decided to not shop for clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. for 6 months, and I really wanted to share the journey with you.  I have been taking Thursdays on the blog to give mini updates on how things are going.  It has been an education realizing how often I jump at the opportunity to get a little something for myself here and there.  
 
So a big part of not going crazy with this whole thing is to really "shop" my own closet.  I am hoping that this shopping ban will really make me take time to appreciate the things I have and really help me edit my closet down to that dream closet.  Though I like to think that each morning I wake up ready to dream up my next big look sometimes it is just tough when you have been staring at the same clothes week after week.  That is when I really find that looking at those inspiration photos can help.  So along with creating a "Woulda If I Coulda" Pinterest board to track my "non-spending," I have also created a Pinterest Board called "Shop Your Closet" to collect looks that I am hoping to recreate with my own items.
 
First up, this cute little paring from the always stylish Rachel.  I simply loved the pop of orange with the neutral hue, and thought I have an almost identical jacket.  Yes, yes I can shop my own closet for this very outfit.  Though I don't have a simple nude dress, I do have a muted grey that I thought would go perfect with the orange jacket.  Throw in the sunnies, statement necklace, bag large enough to carry a dog or small child, and nude heels and I am practically Rachel.  How did I do?  Happy Wednesday...J
 
 
Jacket {Zara}, Dress {Gap}, Wedges {Lucky}, Belt {Vintage}, Necklace {LuLu Frost for J.Crew}, Belt {Vintage}, Sunnies {SEE} 

5.28.2013

Pleated Dream

Every since I saw this dreamy dress on TulipLouise a little over a year ago, I have been dreaming of a long pleated dress of my very own.  You all know my love for long comfy dresses with that perfect flow... add some pleats and I am melting.  When the sweet ladies at PB&J Boutique reached out and kindly offered to let me style a couple of items I was worried the decision of what to choose to style would be tough with all of the amazing items on their site.  But imagine my excitement when I saw this darling piece in their dress section.  Suddenly that dreamy pleated dress was no longer just a dream.   

This Sugar and Spice Dress from PB&J Boutique was the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe.  I love how the neutrals are accented by the mustard yellow.  The mix of colors only adds to the versatility of the dress, since I can already see this dress transitioning easily to the fall months with some cozy layers.  But only after some major air time this summer, since the strapless top and lightweight fabric will be perfect to keep things chic in the Nashville heat. 

If you have not had a chance to check out PB&J Boutique, you should take a little time to visit them.  I currently have my eye on this silk robe, this gorgeous dress, and these chunky wedges.  All of which would probably be mine if I was not doing this whole no shopping for 6 months thing.  Speaking of no shopping, want to know how you can get this DahliaLynn "Amelia" necklace featured here for free?  Well hop on over to Shannon Hearts for an amazing DahliaLynn giveaway.  Hope everyone had an amazing Memorial Day weekend...J

Dress {PB&J Boutique, c/o}, Heels {old, Forever 21}, Jacket {UAL}, Clutch {Vintage}, Sunnies {SEE}, Rhinestone Necklace {DahliaLynn "Amelia" Necklace}, Tassel Necklace {Vintage DahliaLynn}                 

5.24.2013

Love You: Lauren

So my favorite day of the blog is here again, and I am so excited to introduce you to Lauren of Old Red Boots.  She has got so many amazing things to share, I am sure you will finish this post and jump on over to Old Red Boots to take some time getting to know this wonderful lady!

" Greetings! My name is Lauren and I blog over at Old Red Boots. I’m originally from New York, but moved down to Nashville for graduate school (That’s how I know Jessica) and just never left. I’m thrilled to be sharing a bit about myself with her readers.  I spent a lot of time really thinking hard about what I love about me. I know that I love myself, I’ve just never really thought about breaking it all down. So this is my attempt to give a little shout-out to every little thing.

1.   I love my cats: That is right, this is number one. I’m very much a crazy cat lady and I embrace it. I have two boys, Sawyer Shapiro Atredies Esq. and Special Agent Dale Cooper.  When my boyfriend Steve and I moved in together, we added his two sweet girls Belle and Sebastianne to the mix. My house is full of love because of them.
2.  I love my relationship with my parents: I’m an only child and I’ve always been very close with my parents. They are my best friends and I’m not afraid to tell them anything. They provide excellent counsel and support when I need it. Plus, they are just all around really cool people.
3.  I love my boyfriend: Steve is the reason I have my blog in the first place. He is a very talented photographer and he made me feel beautiful with the pictures he snapped of me. He is always kind and patient and ready for adventure. He has been the best supporter (and photographer for) my blog, even doing graphic design for it! I certainly know I’m lucky to have him.
4.  I love my hair: It has taken me a while to come to terms with this one, since growing up I just had a huge mop of curly hair that was always knotted up. I had some awful haircuts that made me look like I had a triangle on my head. But now, since I’ve grown out my hair for the first time since 4th grade and I’m really loving it. It is thick, dark, and it sheds like crazy, but it’s all mine.
5.  I love my style: I’ve always had a quirky way of dressing and I’ve always embraced it. I don’t mind it when my clothes draw attention or even stares. If I like something, I’m going to wear it. I like to think I’m brave with my outfit choices and I get a thrill to dress somewhat “different.” Also, as I have gotten better I have learned a little bit more about myself and what looks good on me. Since I know this, I stick to only purchasing things that flatter me (No more strapless ANYTHING!)
6.  I love my taste in music: This might sound like a humble brag, but I think I have pretty good taste in music. I’m always out there searching for something new and I go to a show pretty much every week. It is great living in a city like Nashville that has so many great acts come through (I don’t even like country).
7.   I love my garden: I used to kill every single plant that I touched. I couldn’t even keep a potted begonia for longer than a month. But having space in Nashville means that I get to have a backyard garden and I have been able to try my hand at growing vegetables. I love being outside, and there is something so honest about working in the soil. The garden teaches me dedication, as it takes constant tending to. If I forget to water, plants die. This year, I’m hoping for a nice little harvest.
8.  I love my heart: I’m a big old mush who gets pretty emotional about things. I love often and I love deeply. My friends are my family and I care very much about them and I try my hardest to be the best friend I can be. Cultivating a loving nature is something that I plan on continuously working on. Because having a good heart is the best thing of all." 

My wrap up for today is pretty, plain, and simple.  I simply love all of the self-love Lauren is giving out.  I remember when I did the very first "Love You" post I almost felt weird sharing even a couple of "loves."  I am learning that loving yourself is not something you should be embarrassed about, but something you should take pride in and remind yourself of every day.  So a big thank you to Lauren for encouraging us to keep feelin the love.  I am going to spend some time in travel today reminding myself of a few more things about me that make me not to shabby.  Thank you again for sharing Lauren!!  Happy Friday...J

5.23.2013

Day 23/184 Days of NO Shopping

Hi Pretty People!  As promised I am back again this week to let you know how the whole NO shopping for my wardrobe and jewel box is going.  It really had not been that tough...until yesterday.  I popped in to a new vintage shop Pura Vida Vintage to get a birthday gift for a friend.  This place is literally less than two blocks from my office and opened right around when I started the NO shopping.  And it was a test of my strength.  So much fun packed in to one little shop, I don't even want to reminisce for fear I will run over there and snatch up everything I left behind (like the amazing straw back that was calling my N-A-M-E).  

I think the only reason I was able to stay strong was because I was on a mission.  I am headed to NYC today to visit one of my best buddies in the whole world and it was her birthday last week.  I of course remembered a day late, so I wanted to get her something extra special, and since I could not get anything for myself I snuck out of there with two amazing finds for her.  Cannot wait to share them with you!!

Aside from almost swan diving off my No shopping wagon yesterday, the only thing I cannot get off my mind are these BLANK high-waisted skinnies.  I had been eyeing this pair at SF for a while and then I died when I saw these on Cupcakes and Cashmere.  To my surprise...or not really because I knew those jeans would be amazing...they were the same ones from SF but from ShopBob.  Just crossing my fingers that there is still a pair left to be had in November when this No shopping craziness ends.  But for now, I will squirrel away the $78.00 I would have spent for something else.  

One last thing...can you send some good thoughts my way this weekend when in the New York City Vintage shops.  I don't want to not go because I love visiting them, but I might just have to leave all forms of payment at Anna's APT if we go out "window shopping," though I am not sure if I want to know how creative I would get to make a perfect little vintage find mine if I had no money on me.  Can see myself brainstorming now..."I wonder if they will let me clean their shop bathroom for that vintage necklace?"  Ok...now I just feel uncomfortable.  See what I mean...I need the good thoughts.  Happy Thursday...J

5.22.2013

If the Shoe Fits...

I have learned two things from this middle of the week round up.  (1) I never wear normal shoes.  I mean do all my shoes need to be of the printed, heeled, shiny, chunky, bold, fringy variety?  No, but apparently they are.  (2) I walk on a lot of cement.  Many of these photos were taken on sidewalks, parking lots, or off road, but I would have thought this group of shots would be a little more glamorous.  I guess not.  At least we know I am not afraid to get my feet dirty!  Happy Wednesday...J

5.20.2013

Old Faithful: Pink Skirt


So we all have them.  Those things in our closet that we always turn to.  And I know I will be turning to them a lot more lately with this whole no shopping for 6 months thing.  So I wanted to start Monday off by sharing a favorite "Old Faithful." Meet my hot pink long skirt from BCBG.  When I purchased this I remember getting it for two reasons.  1.  Obviously...the color.  2.  It feels like I am walking around in a silk blanket with an elastic waistband.  I mean what is not to love about that?

But I will be honest; I did not think it would become an "Old Faithful."  However, you can see from the shots above that I turn to her pretty often, and these are just the pictures I actually took to share on the blog.  Doesn't count the other times I have rolled out of bed reluctantly until I remember that "Yes...yes I can wear something that feels like a silk bathrobe out in public."  So a big thank you to my hot, pink, maxi skirt.  Really don't know what I would do without you.  Happy Monday...J  

5.17.2013

{Love You: Chelsea}



I am so excited today to be sharing with you my sweet blogger friend Chelsea from Haute Child in the City.  Like many blogger buddies, I can't remember exactly how Chelsea and I met, whether it was stumbling upon her blog or instagram, but I am just glad we were able to "virtually" meet.  Chelsea's fun, sparkly, and sassy personality exude on her chic lifestyle blog Haute Child in the City, and I am excited for you all to see what she is loving about herself today.   

"I love that I am decisive
I have the ability to quickly come to a decision and stick with it.  Sometimes it can be to a fault; but mostly, it enables me to get in and out of the grocery store much more quickly than the average person.  Anything that acts as a time-saver for me is aces in my book. 

I love that I am loyal
To my friends, family, and colleagues, I am one of the most loyal people that you will ever meet.  I will always be there for you, I will travel great distances to support you, and I will go to the mat for the people in my life. 

[via]

I love my scars and random body idiosyncrasies
From the small stitch marks on my forehead from my first stitches to my oddly shaped toes from years of dance, they are all a part of who I am and tell the story of my life.  Also, it's super fun to mess with people when they inquire about certain ones. "Oh that chunk out of my leg?  Shark attack."


I love that my superpower is the ability to wear any height of heels without feeling pain
Sure, it’s a little freakish that the nerve endings in my feet don’t communicate with my body well and I’m sure that most doctors would read this and tell me that I needed to lay off of the heel wearing, but being 5’0 on a good day, this super power comes in handy.  It also makes me a bad gauge for people who ask, “Are those shoes comfortable.” My answer is ALWAYS yes.   

I love that I have the most random (and at times, terrible) taste in music
My iPod has everything from The Clash, to GirlTalk, to Vampire Weekend, to John Mayer to Van Morrison, to The Beatles, and yes, even the entire music catalog of the one-and-only Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, as well as most of the songs from Glee.  I unapologetically download Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.  It should be shameful, but for me, it’s totally not. #sorryI’mnotsorry

I love that I am a nerd
I’m a totally science nerd and I love to read, mostly nonfiction.  I never want to stop learning and I think that the thirst for knowledge is an under appreciated quality.


I love that my sister and I are close
My sister and I haven’t always been close.  In fact, it wasn’t until I went away to college and she started high school that we actually could tolerate being the same room as one another.  Most of that was my fault; I was too cool to have a little sister hanging around and we fought like cats and dogs.  I’m lucky and thankful that she and I are very close now because there is such an awesome bond between us a sisters; a sense of comradery that only we will every truly understand being sisters.  Not to mention she’s way cooler than I’ll ever be and is such an amazing Aunt to our little guy.

I love that I don’t own a scale
Seriously, if you asked me what I weighed right now, I couldn’t even wager a guess because the last time I was weighed was at my post-partum appointment after my son was born which was over a year ago.  I just don’t see a point to obsessing over a number; as long as I’m happy with what I look like, my clothes fit, and I’m eating well, it’s just not a priority to me.


I love that I am comfortable in my own skin
It’s taken a while to get here, but I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I know who I am, I don’t regret any foolish decisions from my past, I know what I like (and what I don’t), I’m settled in my life and career, and I’m happy with and appreciative of where I am."    

Do you see what I mean about being sassy???  I love that she jokes with people that she was in a shark attack because her toes and feet are a little wacky after years of dance.  I also really loved that Chelsea shared her love for her sister.  I too became very close with my sister, especially after I went to college, and so often relationships with other people are such an important part of our lives and certainly something we should cherish.  A big thanks to Chelsea for sharing so much on the blog today.  I am not surprised, but happy to know she is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside.  If you have not checked out Haute Child in the City yet, the site is a must.  Happy Friday...J 

5.16.2013

{Day 16/184 of No Shopping}

So I am on day 16 of 184 {6 Months No Shopping}.  It has not been awful yet, but I will say I am getting a little nervous about my upcoming trips to NYC and SF this summer, but the plan is to stay strong. As you know if you have been reading along, I thought it would be fun to keep track of items that I see that I think I would have bought to see how much money I am saving and to see if a couple months down the road I am still thinking of any of those items.  

So this week up on my "Woulda If I Coulda" Pinterest Board is this amazing Zara shift print dress. I love little shift dresses because I know I will wear them for work and play.  This one in particular just had such an amazing print and after seeing it all styled up on Cheetah is the New Black I was wishing I could have the dress for myself.  But the bright side is I am saving myself $79.90.  Anything you have been dying to buy lately?  Happy Thursday...J 

5.15.2013

{Sate Love}

So I practically lived in this shirt when it first arrived.  Not only is it darling, but so soft.  It is the perfect way to stay comfy and show a little state love.  And the best part is...Riffraff has a whole line of State Love items that you can check out here.  Whether you are looking for a cute workout tee, something to pair with jeans or a flowy skirt on the weekends, or a new lounging top, these are the perfect addition to any t-shirt collection.  I also think they make an amazing gift.  I decided to pair my State Love tee last Sunday afternoon with crisp white jeans and a DahliaLynn necklace for a laid back Sunday evening.  
Happy Wednesday...J

Top {Riffraff}, Jeans {Joe's Jeans}, Heels {Lucky Brand}, Bag {DANNIJO}, Necklace {DahliaLynn headed to Savoir-Fair}

5.14.2013

{This & That: Black Meets White}

With these few days of breezy, cool weather all I want to do is lounge around on the porch or inside with the windows open.  So I would not mind taking a break in THIS chair in THAT sweet tank and killer necklace.  Who doesn't lounge around their home in killer jewels??  Happy Tuesday...J

5.13.2013

Moi...et toi


So I picked this little sweater up the last time I was in NYC.  I fell in love with it when I saw it on my buddy TulipLouise.  My impulse with any large word printed sweater is to wear it around the house or to pair the sweater with my favorite boyfriend jeans for a casual look.  But when I was set on wearing this breezy dress for Mother's Day brunch after temps had drop to the high 50s and low 60s, my little "Moi et toi" sweater came to the rescue.  After deciding that my usual go to cropped, blazer jackets were just too formal for a lazy Sunday brunch, I thought this soft knit was unexpected but perfect all at the same time.  

Now can we take a moment to talk about the words on this sweater. The sweater came out around Valentines, so I think the thought of getting a comfy sweater that read "Me and you" in french was just too romantic to pass up.  I imagined my hubby and I enjoying a homemade Italian candle lit dinner "Lady and the Tramp" style, while I was so chic in my "Moe et toi" sweater.  But we went out on Valentines and I did not wear the sweater, but got a little more gussied up.  I can't spend all my time in baggy clothes.  Or can I?  

Nevertheless, I found myself wondering yesterday if anyone sees me in this sweater and thinks to themselves, "Why does that jerk have a sweater on with the giant word "ME" on the front?"  And if they even see the little hidden "et toi" on the bottom left corner, then what do they think?  I mean they are reading it "Me and you"?  I don't want to be a walking invitation for "Me and you" time with complete strangers.  This little brainstorm went on for longer than it should have in my mind yesterday.  So I landed on the decision that I often do when it comes to my clothes.  I will wear it because I like it.  Ok...cutting myself off for the day.  Happy Monday...J    

Sweater {Zara}, Dress {last season, Target}, Clutch {old, gift from a friend}, Heels {last season, Jessica Simpson}, Necklace {DahliaLynn Vintage}