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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Best of: 4th of July Style + Sales

Good Afternoon! I thought I would pop in for a random Tuesday afternoon post to catalog some of the amazing sales going on right now, & provide some 4th of July outfit inspiration! Now through Labor Day can be some of the best prices of the year for many of your favorite retailers! Take advantage by stocking up on basics, or finally splurging for that investment piece you have been eyeing! I will be updating this list throughout the week & be sure to follow me on Twitter & Facebook for even more sale alerts!

Elaine Turner, a brand that I have enjoyed working with in the past, is kicking off their "Star Spangled" Sale today!  The sale runs today (6/30) through July 5 online & in their Nashville store! Be sure to visit their site/shop for new markdowns up to 50% off! And they are also running an awesome gift with purchase - If you spend $350+ you'll receive a Sabine tote for FREE! (I have the tote & it is AMAZING!) More details are up on their home page now! 
If you are still planning your 4th of July outfits, check out some of my past styles, pulled from the Here&Now vault! Over the years I have posted many outfits that I am considering remixing for this year's celebrations. See all the looks here, & check out my favorites below. 
4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales
For a full day with the family, try the effortless mix of chambray + white! // full outfit


4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales
4th of July date night? Rock a full length jumpsuit in navy & add in touches of red + white // full outfit


4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales
Needing to brave hot temps? Try an easy, breezy, little white dress // full outfit


4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales
Nautical stripes & the 4th of July go hand in hand! // full outfit


4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales
Don't over think it! Identify the pieces in your closet that fulfill the qualities of red, white, and/or blue and then mix them together until you get the right blend! // full outfit

If you are going to be needing to be work appropriate on the 4th, try layering a fun patterned shirt over your shift dress, or add a pop of red to your outfit!
4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales



4th of July, outfit inspiration, Here&Now, Nashville blogger, 4th of July Sales

Monday, June 29, 2015

basic black

black jeans, panama hat, here&now blog, jesshereandnow, Nashville style blog
black jeans, panama hat, here&now blog, jesshereandnow, Nashville style blog
{ What I Wore: hat ℅ Goorin Bros (budget friendly option) // Everlane "Ryan" tank (the only kind of tank I own) // Old Navy rockstar skinny jeans (stretchy, high-waisted, basically the most perfect jeans ever, for so CHEAP!) // wedges ℅  Nisolo* }

*I know I have talked a LOT about Nisolo before, but these new wedges are amazing! Shop through my referral link & get 10% off your next Nisolo order: http://nisolo.refr.cc/JXVHV36 
(I also get $10 for each person that uses the link)

black jeans, panama hat, here&now blog, jesshereandnow, Nashville style blog
black jeans, panama hat, here&now blog, jesshereandnow, Nashville style blog
black jeans, panama hat, here&now blog, jesshereandnow, Nashville style blog
This is where I am right now: It is a million degrees hot in Nashville + 100% humidity, & I feel like all of my Summer clothes have turned on me (nothing fits!)… so this has been my combo for the last couple of excursions out into the elements. I guess black is supposed to be the worst color for hot days, but for some reason this is what I keep reaching for.

What has been seeing you through hot Summer days? Anyone else have the most difficult time ever finding shorts that are longer than crotch length?!?!

P.S. I am on the road back from Charleston today & cannot wait to share the outfits, explorations, & new bloggers that I met while down there! If you are a Southern or Southwestern blogger & aren't a part of the Southern Blog Society yet, you HAVE to check it out!

Friday, June 26, 2015

Nashville Food Fan: Top 10

It is no secret that Nashville is currently having a moment. In the 6 years I have lived here, the growth has been non-stop & recently it feels exponential! In fact I have a running list of local shops & restaurants that I need to check out, that seems to be growing by the week!

In my time here I have been fortunate to connect with some of the amazingly creatives that call Music City home, people that inspire, collaborate, & remind me to get out & explore our local nooks & crannies. One of these talented individuals is not only my amazing photographer but also the human behind the successful Nashville food/restaurant Instagram account @NashvilleFoodFan. Whenever I am looking for a new place to try, I head to FoodFan first to see what new places she has visited recently.

If you are looking to travel to Nashville soon, or already call it home, below are the top 10 restaurants & what to order from the Nashville restaurant guru herself! When you travel to Nashville, you must plan your days around eating & drinking to fit it all in!


Is your mouth watering yet? But wait, there's more! Below are the @NashvilleFoodFan Runners Up (not pictured in the collage, but still excellent!):
- Chicken Noodle Soup at Thai Esane. If you're under the weather this amazing soup will bring you back to life, no seriously. It's a game changer.

- The tater tot nachos at The Flipside. The perfect group sized hangover cure.

- If you find yourself at a baseball game this summer at the new Sounds stadium you'll want to head straight to The Band Box for all of your food and drink needs. Specifically, the fried chicken sandwich has a surprising Asian flavor. Unexpected for ballpark food and SOO GOOD. Pair it with a whiskey coke slushy and you're hitting a homerun!

- Cinnamon Sugar donuts at The Patterson House. We all know to go there for the best speakeasy style cocktails in town but let me tell you these donuts alone are worth the wait and sometimes I will admit that they make appearances in my dreams :)

Thank you Kate for sharing all your insider tips! Don't forget to tag @NashvilleFoodFan & #NashvilleFoodFan when you try local Nashville restaurants/food trucks/bars as she loves to regram your culinary delights!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

oldies but goodies

{ What I Wore: J.Crew Factory striped tee (currently sold out, shop the most similar style that is available now) // Madewell lace shorts (super old, linked similar below) // Birkenstock "Arizona" sandals // J.Crew straw tote // stamped necklace ℅ TAudrey }




I like to think that my closet is getting close to containing only pieces I truly love - some old, some recent, but all living together in perfect harmony! This certainly makes getting dressed every day much less stressful & actually fun! When you only have have you love, & not those "meh" pieces blocking your view, the outfits come together that much more easily.

This outfit is a perfect example of this "keep only what you love" principal. I have had the Birkenstocks since college (2008), snagged the straw tote for vacation in 2010, picked up these shorts in 2012, & this striped tee has been the rockstar purchase of 2015. 

I seriously cannot get enough of this top - the fit, the weight of the fabric, the cut of the sleeves & neck… it is a dream boat piece! Unfortunately, it is not currently available at J.Crew Factory, & while I am hopeful that they bring it back (I would definitely get a duplicate of it in a heartbeat), this pink stripe top will be my next addition to the stripe family growing in my closet (the stripe situation as seen on Instagram).

These lace shorts on the other hand, have been sitting in my closet for 3+ years (see their cringe-worthy blog debut here… no judging!), & in that time I can count on 1 hand the number of times I have worn them. But I recently came across them, & now I can't stop pairing them with all my Summer outfits! I also wore this almost exact same outfit, but with my Panama hat, jean jacket, & leather sandals (before it turned to be a million degrees hot in Nashville!)
I love the delicate & classic touch of lace & am happy that these shorts still look as beautiful as they did the day I brought them home over 3 years ago. If you are looking for a touch of lace on your shorts, this pair is sporty, while this pair is more feminine. If you are looking for a larger dose of lace, these lace culottes are blowing my mind! 

Monday, June 22, 2015

Summer "Me" Time


This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , PEOPLE StyleWatch®, and InStyle®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #Summer4Me http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Oh man, this Summer is really proving to be just what I needed. It has been many months since I had the time & short enough to-do list to do things like pop into Target for window shopping (let's be honest you can't leave empty handed) or sit down to read a magazine cover to cover. But as I am allowing myself guilt free "me time" this Summer, reading magazines is bag on the top of my favorite pastimes, and I couldn't pass up some new reads that always tempt me from the Target checkout line! 


Because this year I focused more on adding professional, work-appropriate clothes to my closet, I am now pretty far behind on what's trending in fashion! While I read magazines, I fold down the pages so that I can quickly flip back to the pages that inspired me the most - let's just say there are LOTS of pages to fold down in this month's issues of People StyleWatch and InStyle (as seen on Instagram)! I am now excited again to add some Summer style to my closet, and I have rounded up 5 hot trends I think will be good additions for this year, & still have some staying power for next year as well! 
Find more information about these styles in People StyleWatch & InStyle magazines. And enjoy 20% off participating titles (PEOPLE, InStyle, PEOPLE StyleWatch, Us Weekly) by using the Target Cartwheel Digital Offer. Also, you can receive 20% off special edition magazines. Both offers are available until 7/10/15 (while supplies last) on the Cartwheel App.

Now I am inspired to make these fun Summer outfits!
source: Pinterest
source: Pinterest
source: Pinterest
source: Pinterest

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Sunday Shopping: Patriotic Style

Happy Father's Day! Happy first day of Summer!
I am back in Nashville for a short stint, & looking forward to pool-side lounging before picking up travel again. Ty & I will be spending 4th of July with my family on the lake & I already have my stars & stripes bikini ready (Ty has a pretty sweet tee too!). If you haven't already checked out the patriotic clothing/accessory options from Tipsy Elves yet, you are seriously missing out!

I have also rounded up some other super cute Americana inspired options below. What is your 4th of July style?
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13
Ok, so I couldn't stop at just my top 13 picks - this is the bonus reel:


Saturday, June 20, 2015

weekend reading: 6.20.15

 
This weekend why don't you :: stay cool in style (shop your own swan float here)


{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} Eliminating my over-packing ways: 12 outfits in a carry-on bag


{2.} One last teacher style post before 6 weeks of Summer break

{3.} Bloggers Who Budget: affordable ideas for rocking pastels this Summer 

{4.} An easy Summer uniform: stripes + my favorite totes 

{5.} Nashville Shopping: Goorin Bros hat shop 


{posts I'm loving around the internets}
{1.} I recently had a similar shopper's remorse moment - have you? 

{2.} 8 natural beauty habits for Summer 


{3.} A twist on menswear Summer inspiration (this made me giggle!) 


{4.} Blogger Tips: Mastering Instagram Engagement 


{5.} I've been wanting a pair of distressed denim, but hate how much a pair costs - will definitely be testing out this DIY for distressing your own jeans

Friday, June 19, 2015

Portland Packing Capsule

I have a bad habit of overpacking - partly blamed by the fact that I have a giant suitcase that I feel obligated to fill within an inch of its life every time I travel. Inspired by this packing post from Putting Me Together, I wanted to be super strategic about my outfits on our trip to visit family in Oregon. If you spend much time reading fashion/style blogs, it is apparent that "capsule" wardrobes are a big trend of late, & while I am definitely in the camp that dreams of a more simplistic lifestyle, this "capsule" is more about not looking like a crazy person with 3 rolling bags in the airport & being at peace with what you brought when you reach your destination. So I present to you, what I brought in my carry-on for a week of visiting Oregon. The 12 outfits I made from these items coming over the next couple of posts!
Shop the exact items below:

Foundation Pieces
denim jacket // blue cardigan // polka dot shorts (no longer available) // white denim


Accessories

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

work break

Some people might say that it is unfair that teachers get Summers off. Others (mostly teachers) claim that because teachers work so hard during 9 months of the year, they deserve Summers off. Me? I have no clue how I lucked into these 6 weeks off, but I am going to take it!

You will not be seeing many "work" or "teacher style" posts from me over the coming weeks, as school doesn't start back until the first week of August. But I did want to kick off my work hiatus with this outfit. 
I found this polka dot pencil skirt on the super super clearance rack at J.Crew Factory, & for $15 I just couldn't pass it up! Polka dots are my weakness & I am always looking for cheap pencil skirts as my work uniform is typically button down + pencil skirt + low heels/flats.

On my normal shopping trip, I usually skip the sale section as I am not one to put in the work that it takes to dig through to find the gems, but this skirt was sitting pretty on the end of a rack, literally calling my name (I think I have lost the ability to use the work "literally" correctly).
Then I got it home. It fits *almost* right. When I walk, the skirt spins like crazy. I think this might be improved by a bit of nipping & tucking at the waist. But overall I'm kind of disappointed that I spent $15 on something that I am not totally in LOVE with. This shopping thing can be hard! Building a cohesive wardrobe is super challenging! However, I am walking away with a renewed belief in the fact that if I am not head over heals in love with the piece, it can't come home with me, regardless of how sweet those mark downs on the tag might be!
How do you add to your closet? Piece by piece? Saving up for the big investment items? A splurge shopping trip at the beginning of the season?

If you are looking for work place outfit inspiration, you can find all of my teacher style outfits here.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Bloggers Who Budget: Pastels for Less

{ What I Wore: Guess dress ℅ Macy's (last year) // super old cowboy boots, similar linked below) }

I don't own much from Guess, but I waited all Winter to pull out this dress again after wearing the crap out of it last Summer! This year I am loving their bold black & white stripe maxi, & this pastel number that would be perfect for Summer weddings!

Shop the Post: Cowboy Boots


Excited that Summer dressing is in full swing! Pastels are so perfect for this time of year & I am getting a ton of inspiration from my fellow Bloggers Who Budget this month. Be sure to check out all of their pastel looks, linked above!

I had the great pleasure of joining the Essence Cosmetics team for Carly Pearce's Grand Ole Opry debut a few weeks back & was excited to put on my cowboy boots for the occasion. I think that when most people imagine Nashville style, the honky-tonks, & cowboys that are found on Lower Broadway come to mind first. Nashville certainly enjoys a large influx of cowboy hat & boot wearing tourists, however the locals have a slightly different taste of style. I love that Nashville is becoming more of a fashion city,  & you can just about every type of fashion statement being made by its residents. I enjoy seeing how people mix the classic country/rock/cowboy inspired pieces into their daily wardrobe, & am constantly amazed by the storied artisans we have making clothing in this town (see: Manuel).

This pair of cowboy boots has been in my closet since high school, & while they might not be my most worn pair of shoes, I know that I am going to have a good time when I find the right occasion to wear them! 
Also, if you haven't checked out Essence Cosmetics, you certainly need to put them on your radar (available at Ulta locations). All of their products are super affordable (most of the ones I'm loving are under $5! See my top 10 post), but they do not scrimp on quality! In addition to their fun & on trend products, Essence is teaming up with "stylists" - real women who are going out to pursue their dreams! Whether that dream is playing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, traveling to new places, becoming a medical doctor, or landing their dream job, Essence is following along & sharing their stories!

You can read about Carly Pearce's story here (she was so super sweet in person!), as well as the rest of their amazing stylists
Have you embraced pastel shades for Summer? If you are still looking to incorporate this trend into your closet, shop my budget friendly favorites below (all under $50!)


Friday, June 12, 2015

stripes on fleek

{ What I Wore to the library: J.Crew Factory striped dress (love the back details!) // Madewell tote (gift with purchase) - not available in stores, but I have linked my favorite totes below! // Jack Rogers sandals (if you are in the market for a pair of these, but can't decide which color, I suggest "platinum" - it goes with everything!) // Ray Ban sunglasses // Kendra Scott necklace ℅ (now available in rose gold!) }

Shop The Post + my favorite striped dresses from J.Crew Factory:


High on my Summer bucket list is to read as many books as possible (book reviews coming soon!). I know there are many people that like having books around their house, but I am just not one of those people. I like my books either on my Kindle, or checked out from the library. So in my pursuit of crossing items of my reading list, I made my way down to the Nashville Public Library. After 6 years of living in Nashville I am ashamed to say that I am just now the proud holder of a library card, & can't believe that I hadn't made it into the GORGEOUS downtown library in all these years!

Even if you aren't into checking out borrowed books, if you are in Nashville, you must take an afternoon to enjoy the downtown library. It has a Provence Cafe inside, & they let you take books out to the courtyard to read (without having a card/having to check them out officially).

The inside is all grand staircases & marble, and there are some pretty impressive exhibitions, with one of the current displays including art & stories from the author/illustrator of "Where the Wild Things Are", Maurice Sendak.
My summer bag style definitely falls into the "tote" territory. This Madewell canvas bag has been serving as my library bag, while I cannot live without my J.Crew straw tote for the pool, or my Nisolo leather tote for travel. I am also super impressed by the adorable new "cooler" bags that are available, like this watermelon one from Ban.do, or the gold foil Kate Spade one! Decisions, decisions!

What is your Summer bag situation like??