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Saturday, January 30, 2016

weekend reading: 01.30.16

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This weekend why don't you :: add a pop of red to your outfit - getting in that Valentine's Day spirit!

{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} I found a maxi skirt from Shabby Apple that is truly a work of art + you can enter to win your own $50 Shabby Apple gift card. More details here.  

{2.} I finally got my act together and made a guide to my favorite murals in Nashville - rounding up 20 awesome spots that you have to visit when in town! 

{3.} Stepping out in the snow in my favorite beanie + 5 things that happened during my week off from school thanks to the icy weather! 

{5.} Taking my love of distressed denim to the next level & loving every minute! 




{posts I'm loving around the internets}

{1.} Everyone & their mother has those Stuart Weitzman (or knock off version) thigh-high boots & I've just never thought they were for me. After seeing this outfit on The Sweetest Thing Blog, I am even more terrified of these boots, as it looks like they are now just becoming pants... is this a thing you are on board with? Thoughts?

{2.} Many of the emails from readers are about living in Nashville. Music City is definitely a hot place to be these days, & there are so many things to do, see, & eat! For those of you wondering where to stay when you visit, StyleBlueprint is another local blog that posted a guide to some of our unique local Nashville hotels. They also posted a list of the best places to have your photo taken - a great partner to the Nashville mural guide I posted earlier this week. 


{3.} It's tax time (eeekkkkk!). If you are a blogger you know that navigating this stack of paperwork is anything but straightforward. This list of tax tips from Turbo Tax is helpful, & I also head to Amy Nordard's blog (she's a certified CPA that helps creatives with their taxes) to see her insider's info!


{4.} I adore bloggers who keep it real. These blogger outtakes from Sarah (Sarah's Real Life) are the funniest thing I've seen all week. Thanks for the giggles Sarah, we've all been there! I always say that I have to continue being friends with all my photographers for life, because they have every last TERRIBLE photo of me that are not appropriate for public consumption. 


{5.}  Outfit crush: I was just talking this week about my love of tunics + skinny jeans. After seeing this look on Shelby, I'm thinking a pair of leather leggings are in my future to continue my love of this silhouette! (I already am stalking this pair of leather leggings!)




{what I'm shopping now}

{1.} A trend I have been wanting to try (and further validated by the forever chic Blair Eadie) is the cape. How amazing is this one from Ann Taylor (now on sale for 50% off, just like EVERY THING else on their site!)!? Are you pro-cape?

{2.} The bout of Winter weather we had in Nashville (4 snow days baby!) reminded me that I am sorely unprepared for actual Winter conditions (Southerner for life!). I had to wear my Hunter boots in the snow, & while my feet were dry, they weren't the warmest, so now I'm on the hunt for a pair of proper boots. I am really wowed by all the gorgeous Winter boot styles that Sperry has, & I've heard great things about Sorel boots too. Do you have any of the styles below? If you have the LL Bean "bean boots", do you like the 6" or 8" style?




Friday, January 29, 2016

work of art

Here&Now: Shabby Apple mosaic maxi skirt


sweater: J.Crew

heels: old from ShoeMint (shop similar from Sole Society - available in 6 colors)

jewelry: borrowed from the Kendra Scott Green Hills store. Featuring the Caroline earrings, dainty Cory necklace, amethyst drop Carole necklace, & Lyle hand chain

sunglasses: Ray-Ban aviators

Here&Now: Kendra Scott Spring 2016 Collection
Here&Now: Shabby Apple maxi skirt giveaway

This is the skirt that inspired my Winter wonderland photoshoot outing. I had this gorgeous skirt from Shabby Apple hanging in my closet & I just knew how dreamy it would look against the amazing white-out Nashville experienced last week. Luckily, my amazing photographer Kate lives close to me, & was willing to brave my snow driving skills to capture these images. The giggles we shared while I navigated this sheet of ice in heels was just a bonus! #doitfortheblog - amiright!?

This maxi skirt truly is a work of art & I love how the stunning purple stones in the Kendra Scott gems pick up on some of the stained-glass-esque colors. All of the jewelry I'm wearing with this outfit is from the Spring 2016 Collection just launched by Kendra Scott, & the inspired-by-modern-art pieces are beyond fabulous!


Shop exact pieces from today's outfit:






Shabby Apple is truly a brand that I adore (in fact one of my all time favorite dresses is Shabby Apple - full post), & I always look to their clothing for great teaching clothes, & items that will be a little different from what everyone else is wearing.

Today I'm partnering with Shabby Apple to give away a $50 gift card to their online store.

Come get social with us on Instagram to enter! Details in the Rafflecopter widget below. A random winner will be selected in 1 week.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

distressed

Here&Now: Kendra Scott Spring Collection
sweater: J.Crew Factory sweater tunic (similar tunic style sweater from Nordstrom, available in 11 beautiful colors)


shoes: one of those amazing TJ Maxx finds! But I linked 3 similar styles below, including this gorgeous pair of ankle tie heels from Vince Camuto.

jewelry: All items on loan from the Kendra Scott Green Hills store. Featuring the Ryan necklace & Carey earrings (with amazing suspended black pearl stones) 


I think my most favorite outfits are those where I have something to say about each & every piece... and I've got a lot to say about these items today!

The jewels (necklace + earrings) that I am rocking are part of the Kendra Scott Spring Collection that just launched. Kendra really outdid herself with this collection. From the dreamy new stones, to the dainty metals that are just asking to be mixed & matched, this latest launch is full of sure fire crowd pleasers. What I appreciate most about KS, & why her jewelry consistently tops my wish list, is the attention to detail. Many of the pieces now come with adjustable features - for example this necklace can be worn at any length because it has this genius slider that allows you to customize it to your perfect spot (many bracelets also have this adjustable feature, so amazing for wrists of all sizes!)

When reflecting on my favorite purchases of 2015, I realized that this was the year I purchased my first pair of pre-ripped jeans (I can hear my mother rolling her eyes from here). I talked more about my love of ripped jeans here & I am now emboldened to take my love of ripped jeans to the next level. These are definitely not jeans for someone trying the ripped denim trend for the first time, but I'm in love! From the wash, to the soft rips, to the zipper details at the bottom - it's two thumbs up! **Fit: I purchased these in my usual size, and the thighs are a little tight, but I'm hoping they relax a little with wear. Shop this exact pair here.

One of my favorite outfit combos is oversized top + skinnier bottoms, & as such, my most beloved sweaters are tunic styles, & my dream is to have a rainbow of options in my closet. This sweater is no longer available from J.Crew Factory, but I did just purchase this similar style sweater (in the mushroom color) & I love it (perfect length, super soft). I'm also going to order this cowl neck tunic & considering this zipper back sweater tunic too. 

Here&Now: tunic style sweaters
Here&Now: Kendra Scott Spring 2016 Collection Earrings
Here&Now: how to style distressed jeans
What are the pieces you are wearing that you love to talk about?
I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday & be sure to check out my post on 20 of the best Nashville murals from yesterday.

Shop today's look:


Tuesday, January 26, 2016

20 must see Nashville murals

Nashville really is such a great city & I am thankful to have this gorgeous place to serve as the backdrop of many outfit photos for this blog. I used to plan my photoshoots around new murals (I need to get back to that) & always have to stop & jot down addresses when I spot a new one. There are so many amazing artists in this town & I am blown away by the dedicated individuals who place their art on our public walls. A huge shout out goes to the creatives at DCXV Industries (they are responsible for starting the "I believe in Nashville" motto), as I am certain that their many displays of public art have inspired others to share their work.

I was blown away by all the colorful murals that Studio DIY shared from Chicago, & wanted to follow it up with a guide to my favorite picture walls here in Music City. Below are my 20 favorite walls. If you visit, put these addresses on your itinerary. If you live here & have some secret murals to share, please let us know in the comments.


12th South, "I believe in Nashville"
Full outfit post | Also on Instagram 
2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204


Marathon Music Works, "I Believe in Nashville"
1402 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203 


Center 615, "Stay Tuned Nashville"


625 Main Street, East Nashville


12th Avenue South, Draper James
2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204



12th Avenue South, Green Pea Salon 
2900 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204


East Nashville, Beauty Supply
714 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206


Germantown, Nashville
Rosa L Parks Ave, Germantown (across from the Werthan lofts)


Germantown, Rolf & Daughters
700 Taylor Street, Nashville (Germantown)


Hillsboro Village, Dragon 
2102 Belcourt Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212



East Nashville 
Side of the Joyner & Hogan building at 600 Main St.


Charlotte Pike, Avo
3001 Charlotte Ave #200, Nashville, TN 37209


Sylvan Park, Import Flowers
3636 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209


East Nashville, Little Octopus 
604 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206


Downtown, Willie Nelson
396 Almond St, Nashville, Tennessee 37201


If you are in the neighborhood of the Willie Nelson mural, you also have to check out another Nashville musician, Johnny Cash

300 Fourth Ave. S., downtown Nashville


West Nashville, The Dog Spot
Full outfit post 
5001 Alabama Ave, Nashville, TN 37209


East Nashville, Mas Tacos 
On Instagram here & here
732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206



Hillsboro Village
Corner of Capers Ave & 21st Ave South, 37212



8th Ave, Carter's Vintage Guitars
625 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203


12th South, "Believe" 
2415 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Is it rare to have this many awesome photo spots in one city!? Us Nashvillians are so lucky with great public art!

Photos by Zipporah K & Kate Davis Photography

Monday, January 25, 2016

snow bunny


blouse: J.Crew (no longer available, but I linked lots of cute polka dot blouses below, including this fun ruffle one!)


shoes: Chris booties c/o Sole Society (also available at Nordstrom, but currently limited in sizes. This pair & this pair are also gorgeous)

hat: J.Crew (super old, but I love this similar style)


jewelry: large stud earrings c/o HumbleChic.com (Get 15% off your entire order on HumbleChic.com with promo code LIKEIT)



Since many of us are snowed in, I thought it would be fun for everyone to share 5 things that have been going on lately in your life. I'll go first ;)

1. Tyler & I visited the D.C. area for a nice long holiday weekend. We did double duty meeting our new niece & catching up with some of Ty's college friends. One day Ty & his buddies hit up an NBA game, so I got a chance to explore the city on my own. I met up with Cathy (Poor Little It Girl) for coffee at Dolcezza & then wine at the St. Regis to warm us up after walking around City Center. After leaving Cathy, I explored the National Mall, hitting up several monuments & my favorite exhibit - the hall of mineral at the National Museum of Natural History. I navigated all day on foot, and was amazed at how warm and comfortable this pair of booties was from Sole Society. It looks like they are currently mostly sold out (hoping for a re-stock), but these styles below look very similar & are all under $100:



2. I have had this pink beanie since high school. That means I've known this hat longer than I've known my husband. Now that is a relationship. 

3. Well, I officially have cabin fever. After taking an extra day off for the MLK Jr. weekend + 4 snow days, I haven't been to work since January 15th! Definitely not complaining about an extra dose of relaxation, although I am getting concerned about how I am going to catch my students up! I have been spending some of this extra down time getting my closets in order. I've loaded up 4 bags of clothes to donate (Where is the best place to take them? I've heard that not all charity organizations are equal.) & am selling some pieces on my Postmark closet too (More being added today).

4. I'm pretty sure that we are getting close to watching EVERYTHING on Netflix. We just whipped through the first season of Sense8, & started the Chelsea Handler series last night. We love documentaries and binge-worthy series... now accepting suggestions! What have you been watching lately?

5. The only vacation that Tyler & I have been on together (except to visit family/friends) was our honeymoon, so I'm itching to plan an adventure for the two of us soon! I'm thinking Asheville, NC for my Spring Break & then maybe something bigger for Summer -- Amsterdam or Copenhagen are striking my bucket list fancy lately. Where are you wanting to travel next? Already got something booked?


Shop the exact pieces from this outfit:
These gorgeous earrings (in the photos & linked below) are from HumbleChic.com - get 15% off your entire order on HumbleChic.com with promo code LIKEIT



Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sunday Shopping: I've got a crush

Time to start planning how you are going to treat your Valentine (or yourself) for V-Day! Below are the top products tickling my fancy lately. From metallic stripes, to crazy llamas, these gifts are sure to please!




{1.} two of my favorite words in one shirt: Metallic. Stripes. (mic drop) // {2.} nail game on point with "love pink" // {3.} put some twinkle on your toes with these glitter Keds // {4.} I got the llama wrapping paper from Paper Source for Christmas, and I think I definitely need to follow up that performance with these llama Valentine's! // {5.} People RAVE about this MAC "Ruby Woo" shade... thinking it's high time I give it a try! // {6.} My Lisi Lerch tassel earrings are some of my most treasured - a true gold classic! // {7.} wear your heart on your sleeves with this adorable heart print tee // {8.} Not to late to get your life in order with this chic planner - give your Valentine the gift of organization // {9.} Tassels are trending for Spring, and the deep maroon shade on these lace up heels is perfect for wearing now // {10.} be on time & in style with this blush pink watch // {11.} OBSESSED with this new pattern that Vera Bradley is rolling out // {12.} & how cute would the purse be with this fuzzy fluff ball!?

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Weekend Reading: 01.23.16

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This weekend why don't you :: rock neutrals! Shades of grey, white, camel & nude are so chic!


**Sorry this post when live early (snow day brain!) & thank you for you kind souls that so sweetly let me know!

{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} Sharing budget friendly work wear with the Bloggers Who Budget. 

{2.} I was pretty happy with the pieces I picked up for my closet in 2015 - see the top 10 items that I would totally purchase again! 

{3.} One of my style resolutions for 2016 is to wear everything in my closet. If I don't wear it, then it has to go (I have a small bin of sentimental clothes, but I'm very picky about what qualifies!). One way to determine if something has to go, is by forcing myself to wear it! I was recently iffy about these navy pants, so I found 3 ways to wear them (thereby giving them a spot back in my closet). See all three ways I've styled them: navy + blush, art teacher, mock turtleneck

{4.} Still thinking back on 2015 - it was an incredible & challenging year & I'm sharing the top & not top moments here

{5.} Now is the time to think about investing in a new coat! Many brands are slashing prices on outerwear to make room for Spring goodies. Read my tips for the 5 coats you need & how to shop them here




{posts I'm loving around the internets}

{1.}  My blog started from a desire to build a cohesive wardrobe & I put a lot of thought into what pieces would make up my perfect foundational wardrobe (see all the posts here). Additionally I love when other bloggers share what makes up their wardrobe must-haves. See the wardrobe staples hanging in the closets of some of my favorite bloggers, including: Franish, Jill G at Good Life, and Gabby at The Vault Files

{2.} J.Crew always kills it with lust worthy basics & this post sums up my thoughts about investing in the J.Crew uniform


{3.}  We currently have a massive amount of snow on the ground in Nashville so call me crazy, but these bright Spring colors are making me giddy!


{4.} We all live on our phones & apps are king! I am always looking for new games, photo editing apps, & ways to improve my organization on the go. Everything that A Beautiful Mess touches turns to gold & their A Color Story app looks like it is going to be awesome (just gotta figure out how to use it!). Waiting Martha also shared some awesome apps to help you live smarter this year that I can't wait to try. 


{5.}  Faux fur in large amounts can look like a bad case of 80s flashback, but I think Cathy pulls off this trend effortlessly! 




{what I'm shopping now}

{1.} Holy Moly - it is Ann Taylor sale time! Get 40% off your entire order (even new arrivals) with code WINTER40. Shop my favorite items below.





{2.} My word for 2016 is CHANGE. To remind me of my intentions to embrace change, seek change, celebrate change, I picked up a stamped key with my word on it from The Giving Keys. It is super easy to get a key custom stamped with your own word on it & the message behind The Giving Keys products is so special. 

{3.} I hadn't popped into Banana Republic in a looooong time, and I was totally blown away by the pieces they have in stock now (some Winter staples already on sale!!). If you are looking for chic outerwear, this camel coat is absolute perfection!

{4.} Kendra Scott just released the Spring 2016 Collection & I am in love. The pieces are inspired by modern art & I'm obsessed with the perfect balance of delicate metals + pastel gems. I saw the collection in the store & was honestly blown away the little added details that each piece carries - many necklaces can be worn long or short, and bracelets are adjustable to fit many wrist sizes. Shop my favorite pieces below.