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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

GNO: Belk

I was counting down to Fall for the past month, & now I've blinked & it is almost October! While we are still yo-yoing back & forth from crisp nights to balmy days here in Nashville (what a tease!), I am certainly excited by the next season of styles & am already trying to mix some cooler weather staples into my end of Summer pieces.

To celebrate the start of a new season, I am excited to be hosting a Fall Fashion event at the Belk in Cool Springs next week & I cannot wait to meet you & chat about all things Fall fashion! 

The Fall Fashion Girls Night Out event will be on October 8th from 5-8:30pm at the Cool Springs Belk. I will be hosting the event & on hand to help you pick out some new fall pieces + giving out prizes! There will be a DJ, handcrafted bites, yummy refreshments & the big one…20% off your purchases (with very limited exclusions)! 

Some of the Fall trends I am looking forward to embracing when the crisp air decides to stay:

1. Layers! When I think of Fall, I think of cute sweaters! I am dreaming of cozy open cardigans & fur vests (how chic is this one!) which have serious staying power from last year. This year I am also wanting to add a sleeveless cowl neck sweater to the mix - this looks like a very re-mixable style!

2. Fringe! I just picked up these fringe booties (as seen in this outfit) & am also crushing hard on this major fringe action skirt!

3. Flounce skirts! I just wore this skater skirt (outfit post) & this one is also topping my wish list! This is the perfect item for right now, that will easily transition to cooler temps with tights + boots!

Let me know in the comments if you will be able to attend the Girls Night Out event next week!
If you are not in Nashville area, there are events happening at Atlanta too!

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Miriam Collection



tank: J.Crew Factory racerback tank (such a staple, worth stocking up on in multiple colors/patterns!)

jacket: H&M faux leather jacket (shop similar: 1 // 2 // 3)



purse: Rebecca Minkoff (currently 40% off!)


I previously wore this tweed skirt with a black & white striped button down, but was dying to also give this classic piece a little more edge.

My foundational Fall accessories are my felt hat, aviators, & leather jacket. My (faux) leather jacket was purchased at H&M for under $50 going on 3 years ago & it can't believe how great it has held up after many many uses! This year I added these fringe booties to the mix - kind of outside my usual style wheelhouse, but I'm happy that I initially gravitated towards them & made them mine. I am also loving the dainty jewelry from the Miriam Collection line at FashionABLE. This is the "rosary" necklace & it has been my go-to piece, adding the perfect detail to any outfit. 

So yet again, my outfit came together from various pieces in my closet, things that I absolutely love & cherish! It is a hard habit to cultivate, but I am certainly getting better at identifying items that are going to have staying power in my wardrobe, & eliminating any articles that aren't getting worn enough. So far this Fall I added the black & white striped button down, tweed skirt, pointed toe black flats, updated my felt hat & finally found the perfect pair of ripped knee black jeans.

As I have already added to many great pieces to my closet, that means that the things I'm not wearing enough have to go. I just added 15 new listings in my Poshmark Closet - from a tweed Zara blazer, to some wear everyday J.Crew tees! I have had great experiences buying and selling on Poshmark & if you haven't tried it for yourself yet, sign up using my code & get $5 off your first purchase (my items start at $10 - so it is like getting it 50% off!).

Sign up for Poshmark & use code "HNDCJ" for a $5 credit!
How do you keep what's in your closet at a manageable level? Extra storage? A strict one-in-one-out policy? Swapping clothes with friends?


Sunday, September 27, 2015

Sunday Shopping: Fall Accessories

Fall is here! Fall is here! I love the changing of the seasons, because all of a sudden my closet looks fresh again! I am having so much fun putting together outfits with items in my closet that haven't gotten any use in a year. Below are 4 of the outfits I am dreaming to create soon!





Saturday, September 26, 2015

weekend reading: 09.26.15

1 // 2 // 3

This weekend why don't you :: try a new sweater trend!
I'm still wanting to try out the duster length sweater style!

{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} Designer sunglasses giveaway - only 10 hours left to enter!

{2.} Teacher style files: gingham midi skirt 

{3.} Dishing Fall shoe trends, including the most perfect pair of leopard pumps! 

{4.} Mixing stripes + tweed

{5.} Shop some incredible pieces from Southern artisans




{posts I'm loving around the internets}

{1.} A little throwback - just stumbled on this What I Wore post from many years ago! Bloggers submitted their favorite outfits featuring stripes, you will see some vintage pictures of bloggers (including Pink Peonies & me at the very bottom!) 

{2.} I'm starting to seriously consider purchasing a pair of overalls - this cute overall for date night look just put me over the edge!


{3.} Blogger tip: how to code an image with HTML


{4.} Thinking about doing another capsule work wardrobe, loving this inspiration! 





{what I'm shopping now}

{1.} I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of ripped knee black skinny jeans & finally found them at ASOS! (fit tip - I am 5'3" & got the petite size, and the leg length is perfect, hitting right above my ankle).

{2.} Embracing the button front skirt trend. 

{3.} A Fall favorite? The L.L. Bean "bean boot" (get them while they are still in stock)! 
Also, I've have consistently had the BEST customer service experiences with L.L. Bean & just cannot gush enough about what a great company they are!

{4.} Restock alert: My favorite boatneck striped tee is baaaack! You definitely should get 2!

{5.} J.Crew Factory new arrivals: the most perfect blouse for Fall // I'm going to have to cheat on the pugs and get this dachshund sweater

Friday, September 25, 2015

bold print


Here&Now: Chicwish gingham skirt


skirt: ℅ Chicwish


(enter to win a giveaway for your own designer pair from Sunglasses Shop using the widget below)

purse: Coach ℅ Dillard's Green Hills

shoes: ShoeMint (old - shop similar below)


Here&Now: stylish & easy teacher outfit
Oh teacher struggles! Picking out my outfit for the day at 5:30 am, before the coffee has kicked in, has definitely trained me on having a specific formula for getting dressed in the morning.

Cardigans + boldly patterned bottoms are my foundation pieces, & of those, this particular sweater & skirt are two of my favorites. I recently learned that this shade of cardigan is the one most associated with me, with one fellow teacher even searching out for a similar shade of fuchsia as she was amazed by how versatile it truly was! Oh & this skirt - bold black & white, perfect length, & did I mention that it has pockets!?

The perfect antidote when my formulaic dressing starts to get boring? A punchy statement necklace. Even better if it is a special piece from Sheer Addiction Jewelry!
Here&Now: Fall teacher style
Here&Now: teacher style, chicwish gingham midi skirt 
Shop some of my teacher staples below:

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

stripes + tweed



purse: Michael Kors (available in 8 gorgeous colors!)


(enter to win a giveaway for your own designer pair from Sunglasses Shop using the widget below)

watch: Michael Kors (currently 50% off!)


I wore this outfit to the Southern Blog Society (Now with national membership spots available at The Blog Societies) meet-up in Nashville last weekend & seriously can't get enough of these pieces! Remember this striped top from this jeans look last week? And stay tuned for this skirt to get remixed with something a little edgier next week!

Tweed is such an IT print for Fall & I love that it isn't just for super buttoned up looks anymore! Although the wannabe prepster in me was seriously considering getting this tweed jacket + pencil skirt combo, I'm thrilled to see the tweed print on more casual pieces like these slip on sneakers & color blocked tee
Have you embraced any tweed for Fall?
Shop my outfit + similar styles below:


Monday, September 21, 2015

Bloggers Who Budget: Fall Shoe Trends






My Fall/Winter skirt wardrobe centers around versatile black skirt options. I'm loving this faux leather skirt or this slighlty longer midi option! And don't even get me started on the suede fringe number that is totally calling my name! 



Bloggers Who Budget is baaaack! This month we are teaming up with Sole Society to show you some budget friendly Fall shoe trends!

Leopard is pretty much a year-around staple in my closet, but it is extra luxe to add a punch of spots to your cooler weather outfits. These leopard heels have a low wedge and comfortable pointed toe, making them all day favorites - even when I'm teaching!





I'm OBSESSED with these sunglasses & you can enter to win your own pair here: Sunglasses Shop Designer Sunglass Giveaway 

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunday Shopping: Made South

Last weekend I had a lovely night sipping bourbon drinks, chowing down on straight off the pig BBQ from Martin's BBQ Joint & shopping wares from local artisans & creatives at the Made South Market. There were so many amazing vendors that I just had to share them with you! These unique picks make great Christmas gifts - not to scare you, but we are only a little over 3 months out! 

From the top: 1 Nash + Jones dead sea salt scrub // 2 Statey Made Tennessee state print // 3 Mitchell Bat Co. Nashville pennant // 4 Choose Joy art print // 5 Eli Mason peach syrup // 6 Crew Lala pink bow dog collar // 7 Blackbird Letterpress National Parks Spinner // 8 Hi Ya'll Mississippi pillow // 9 Loyal Stricklin campfire candle // 10 Loyal Stricklin saddle bag // 11 Franklin Juice Co. carrot juice

I also fell in love with the Gent's ginger ale & can't wait for them to get their online sales up & running! 

Saturday, September 19, 2015

weekend reading: 09.19.15

1 // 2 // 3

This weekend why don't you :: bust out the perfect Fall staple, the utility jacket!

Haven't found the perfect utility jacket yet? Shop my favorites, at all price points, starting at $40!





{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} The future is bright! Enter to win a pair of designer sunglasses from Sunglasses Shop! 

{2.} Thinking about getting eyelash extensions? Answering your top 10 questions here

{3.} outfit: Fall calls for a little extra touch of boho

{4.} The Fall collection from FashionABLE is bananas! See my top picks



{posts I'm loving around the internets}

{1.} 5 blogging truths everyone should know.   

{2.} The only way I want to travel from now on! 


{3.} 3 to to miss Nashville shops


{4.} Are you an over thinker of your Instagram captions too!?  


{5.} I'm not exactly a font snob, but I do love a good typeface. Here are the 9 fonts to definitely avoid… or be judged! 




{what I'm shopping now}

{1.} Not a fan of dead animals hanging out my wall, but these felt "heads" are adorbs! I definitely want the jackalope! 

{2.} What everyone is getting for Christmas - white girl rose

{3.} I don't care if it is almost Fall, I still want one of these pom pom straw totes. LIke BAD! 

{4.} The Swedes know their clogs

{5.} Sorry, I'm not sorry, Old Navy is killing it right now (anyone else obsessed with their ad campaign with Elaine AKA Julia Louis-Dreyfus?) Loving these distressed jeans & their current coat selection is so spot on!

Friday, September 18, 2015

stripes + spots







I've been in a sunglasses rut for a while, so when Sunglasses Shop reached out about trying out some new frames, I jumped at the chance to step out of my comfort zone & I am so happy I did! I love these oversized, slightly cat-eye sunnies from Carrera. I am amazing by the quality & can't get over how lightweight they are (seriously, I make everyone hold them to prove their feather light status!)

I've never been a designer sunglasses gal - well except for that one time in college when I splurged on a pair of Chanel glasses from eBay, only to promptly lean over the edge of a boat the first time I wore them - they dropped (along with my heart) into the water never to be seen again, & I swore off expensive shades from that moment on.

Now I have proved to myself that I am responsible enough to have nice things, and high quality sunglasses really do make all the difference! The selection of frames at Sunglasses Shop is incredible & I know I will be back for my next pair soon!

Lucky you! Sunglasses Shop is giving away a pair of designer sunglasses (excluding the polarized, titanium, and limited edition frames)! Enter the using the widget below & a random winner will be selected next weekend. (Worldwide entries are accepted!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Lash Extensions: 10 FAQs

Here&Now: eyelash extensions frequently asked questions

I have gushed about my eyelash extensions before, but even after 3 months of having them, it is true LOVE (makes me think of Princess Bride every time!)! Considering getting extensions for yourself but still not quite sure, read on & let me know if you have any additional questions in the comments :)

1. Will people think I'm a diva for getting eyelash extensions?

Honestly, no. This isn't any different than getting a manicure or blow out. Treat yo' self!

2. Will they feel weird?

At first, the extra weight will feel like you are wearing fake lashes. After the first week, your eyes adjust to the new lashes, & it becomes a new normal.

3. How will my daily routine be negatively affected?

You can't rub your eyes - yup, not even in the shower. And sometimes you can feel the wind blowing through them - this happens to me mostly when I blast the AC in my car.

4. How will my daily routine be improved?

You don't have to wear any eye makeup (I haven't worn eye makeup in 2 months). This also means that you don't have to take off any eye makeup (the worst part about washing your face in my opinion!). Overall, because my lashes look so fabulous, I have been wearing much less makeup as part of my daily routine, & I think this is helping to clear up my skin. The husband even commented the other day that my skin was looking more glow-y than usual - totally out of his typical line of compliments (which include, "you look…uh, pretty…?")

5. How long do they last?

The extensions are glued on to your actual lashes, so they last as long as your normal lashes would, & fall out when you lashes naturally do. Some people have longer/shorter hair growth cycles, but most people will need to get re-fills every 3-4 weeks (I go 4 in-between appointments). 

6. Are they really that great?

Yes, yes & YES! My friends who have also gotten them (because I won't SHUT UP about them) agree!

7. Lash extensions look good on other people, but are they for me?

YASSS girl! If you get a good lash lady she can help you find the right length that will look best for you. I call my length "accentuated natural" - as in, they look like they could actually be my real lashes, but better. My super blonde friend just got hers done, and they look completely natural on her too. This is for everyone!

8. Is it worth it?

Without a doubt. This is my new personal splurge. It is the same as getting gel mani/pedi treatments every month & you will be saving on mascara/eye makeup too!

9. What will people say after I get them?

I have had male co-workers, young children, teenagers in the grocery store & all my friends/family compliment me on my lashes. Not in an "OMG your lashes look CRAZY" way, but more of a "something is slightly different about your face and I really like it way". They truly do frame your face in a perfect way - people will notice!

10. Ok, you've convinced me. So how do I find the right person to do them!

Well, if you are in Nashville, call my lovely lash lady! Shala is the bomb & her prices are super reasonable. Read about her services & schedule an appointment here, & if you have questions, reach her via email

Monday, September 14, 2015

do you LOVE it

Here&Now: boho dress for Fall



dress: H&M (super old) - shop similar below

booties: Old Navy (super old) - shop similar below

clutch: part of my latest Le Tote subscription box. Sign up for this amazing service using my referral code & get $25 off your first month (I also get $15 credit)

Or just shop the clutch here or here

Here&Now: Bonjour Au Revoir Clutch
Here&Now: how to transition Summer dresses for Fall
Here&Now: Sheer Addiction LOVE necklace
Why do people love Fall the most? My opinion, it is the most fun season to dress for! The layers, the boots, the endless combinations of plaid! I have been slowly adding to my Fall accessory game & am so excited to have adopted this necklace from Sheer Addiction into the mix. It is one necklace made from multiple chains, & the letters perfectly stack to spell out LOVE.

Sheer Addiction is my source for unique, timeless, hand-down-to-your-daughters jewelry! See how I have worn some of their beautiful pieces in the past & be on the lookout for more fun outfits featuring new jewels coming your way. 
Here&Now: bonjour clutch
Here&Now: how to style dresses for Fall
Here&Now: Sheer Addiction Jewelry
Don't put your Summer dresses away yet! With a felt hat, dark booties & Fall-ish accessories, your Summery frocks look perfectly boho! The Old Navy swing dress that I was obsessed with this Summer? Yea, they made it in a long sleeve version for Fall - I think they know me!











Looking for the perfect Fall hat, booties & accessories? Shop the totally affordable options I am loving now! These Chelsea style pull on booties from Old Navy are only $40 & I just got these Sole Society leopard pumps & they are everyday perfection - can't wait to pair them with flannel!