August Mae GIVEAWAY!

You know that feeling when you find a new boutique that has everything you need + all the pretty things you want? That is why I love August Mae!! I am in love with my new poppy dress from August Mae (full post here) & really everything from their collection!

The lovely lady behind this adorable shop is also super sweet + a fellow Coloradan & is offering up a $50 shop gift card to one lucky winner!

It is super easy to enter - head to this Instagram post, make sure you are following me (@jesshereandnow), August Mae (@augustmae.shopstevie) & tag your best shopping buddy! That's it - you are entered!

1 random winner will be selected in 1 week, but in the mean time, start planning what you will purchase! All of the items below are perfect for this still-Summer-almost-Fall weather & under $50!!

The black gaucho pants + peplum striped top are next on my list to pick up!!

What are your favorites from August Mae??

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

Sea Bags Giveaway!

Today is the last day to enter to win your own Sea Bags tote! Sea Bags designs are made in the USA from up-cycled sails (collected directly from the sailing community & boaters themselves!). I love the chic nautical inspired prints & colors! I was pleasantly shocked when I read that in the last 15 years Sea Bags has saved over 500 tons of materials ending up in landfills - read more about their intentional bag making process here. 

Not only are the sails that Sea Bags uses for their creations incredibly durable, but they have so much character! Their collection of vintage bags are so eye catching, I love how they save the original insignia and designs of the sails, from their previous life on a sailboat! And they have seriously perfected the Beach Bag with their Ogunquit tote!

The bag I chose is their popular lobster tote that has been remixed in fresh lime green for Spring. Like all of their classic totes, mine is made with hard-wearing recycled sails & hand-spliced hemp rope handles (It is so cool how the rope handles go along the side & under the bottom for the ultimate support of your stuff!).

Enter to win your own Sea Bags lobster tote using the Rafflecopter widget below. A random winner will be selected TOMORROW! You can easily earn entries, many different ways!!

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ahoy matey

Spring is hands down the most jam-packed season of my life & while that is one of the reasons why I love this time of year, it certainly comes with its own fashion conundrums. As I scurry from one event to the next, one of my most important accessories is a roomy tote, that doesn't sacrifice on function or style. 

My search to fill my life with fewer, better things has led me to many new brands that are doing amazing things for the fashion industry & the way we look at the impact of always wanting more. I am continually impressed at the innovators that find solutions where other people only see problems, and today I am excited to introduce you to a brand that has been around for many years, but has finally solved my Spring tote bag woes & in the process teaching me a little more about the face of conscious consumerism. 

Sea Bags designs are made in the USA from up-cycled sails (collected directly from the sailing community & boaters themselves!). I love the chic nautical inspired prints & colors! I was pleasantly shocked when I read that in the last 15 years Sea Bags has saved over 500 tons of materials ending up in landfills - read more about their intentional bag making process here. 

Make sure to scroll down for a giveaway to win your own Sea Bag!

dress: white dress via Nordstrom (under $100 & available in a gorgeous coral color too!)

shoes: lace-up wedges c/o Indigo Rd.

necklace: dainty necklace c/o Freshie & Zero (a fabulous local Nashville jewerly brand!)

bag: lobster print tote c/o Sea Bags

All Photos | Catherine Truman Photography

Not only are the sails that Sea Bags uses for their creations incredibly durable, but they have so much character! Their collection of vintage bags are so eye catching, I love how they save the original insignia and designs of the sails, from their previous life on a sailboat! And they have seriously perfected the Beach Bag with their Ogunquit tote!

The bag I chose is their popular lobster tote that has been remixed in fresh lime green for Spring. Like all of their classic totes, mine is made with hard-wearing recycled sails & hand-spliced hemp rope handles (It is so cool how the rope handles go along the side & under the bottom for the ultimate support of your stuff!).

Enter to win your own Sea Bags lobster tote using the Rafflecopter widget below. A random winner will be selected next week. You can earn entries everyday!

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My Hero

Not all heroes wear capes, in fact some use lipstick & pearls as their secret weapons. My grandmother (AKA Memaw) is my everyday hero! For much of my childhood, my Memaw & Pops lived next door, in a house my father built for them. The love my grandparents showed me helped shape me into the woman I am today, but it was the stories my Memaw shared about her own childhood & experiences as a young woman in the 1940s that I could never get enough of. 

My grandmother was a strong-willed, sassy, tells it like it is woman, with a fierce gaze & the best belly laugh! I think many would say that she passed these traits down to me & I couldn't be happier to carry this piece of her. My grandmother was a teacher for 35 years, & after she passed away last Fall, it was with great joy that I sorted through stacks of class portraits, her (now 50 year old) grade books, correspondence from former students throughout the years, & newspaper clippings she had saved from her many pupils. She was passionate about her students, getting involved in their lives, & for many of them, forever remaining their favorite teacher. 

As I am now following in her footsteps as a teacher, I often find myself channeling how I imagine Memaw must have been in her classroom - gathering peace in stressful situations, looking at my students as whole humans rather than the mistakes they have made in the moment. One of the last letters Memaw sent me (she was a master letter writer!) included the line "may you be happy all the days of your life" & I plan on finding the joy in every moment to continue the legacy of my Memaw. That is why she is my hero.

I love this photo of my Memaw - her signature hair style, dazzling eyes - perfectly capturing  her fierce spirit.

In 1999, celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz published her first book Women, a collection of portraits, highlighting her ability to capture the essence of each person with a single snap. Now, Annie Leibovitz is taking a new show on the road - using pictures to explore the changes in the roles of women today. In partnership with UBS, Annie Leibovitz launched a global exhibition for Women: New Portraits! It kicked-off in London in January 2016, & will be in ten cities over the next year.

The exhibition is free (& currently in San Francisco), but 2 lucky ducks are going to win a trip for to NYC to visit the exhibition in November 2016. A winner will be selected at random each month. To enter, Instagram your everyday female hero & her stories using #ShareYourHero + tagging @UBS (see the other entries here under #ShareYourHero). Let’s celebrate the everyday heroes in our lives that are capable of extraordinary things – your mother, your sister, your friend, your girlfriend, your teacher, your doctor, your grandmother, your mentor, etc. 

Who’s your everyday hero? If you instagram her, link your Instagram profile below – I’d love to see it!

Visit www.ubs.com/annieleibovitz to learn more.

Sunday Shopping: Spring Break Essentials

Looking for the perfect Spring Break look?! I am excited to share a new brand with you today - Sakroots! Sakroots has curated a collection of must have functional spring break accessories featuring colorful & original artwork… and they support various nature & music charities! 

Whether you feel deeply about elephant rescue, the life of the honeybee (a cause close to my heart!) or music education in schools, Sakroots gives you the opportunity to support what you love with their Choose Your Karma program. And it is super easy! First, choose your art from their collection of original artist printed accessories, then choose the charity you want to support. Sakroots matches all donations.

Each print below is supported by a charity, or you can donate to a charity of your choosing from their list when you buy from sakroots.com! I love that not only are their prints super fun & funky (hello music festival style!), but they give back!

If you grew up in the 90s (my hand is in the air), you might notice that this is the little sister of the have-to-have-it "Sak" purses of our youth (#7 below has throwback vibes for sure!)

{1} floral rain boots // {2} backpack // {3} small satchel // {4} "LOVE" tote // {5} medium satchel // {6} weekender bag // {7} pom pom cross body bag // {8} Patterned flip-flops // {9} sea horse cosmetics case // {10} printed espadrille

I have been toting my Sakroots bag & super comfy espadrilles every where lately! They both went to Asheville with us & then again to Arkansas last weekend. These are high quality items that I know will be staples for years to come!

Looking to kickstart your Spring Break? Sakroots is offering 15% off your first order (sign up for the discount code here) & enter to win a free Large Cosmetic in the print of your choice if you follow @sakrootsbrand & @jesshereandnow on Instagram. One winner will be selected at random TOMORROW. (more details on my Instagram here)

in bloom

dress: Waldorf dress c/o By Smith

Check out all of their gorgeous dresses for Spring! 

necklace: J.Crew Factory bloom necklace (now on sale!)

jacket: Gap classic denim jacket

shoes: Steve Madden

purse: Sconset clutch/crossbody bag c/o Beau & Ro

Now 30% off with code HERENOW (valid through March 25, 2016). 

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators (in the green/gold color way)

All Photos | Catherine Truman Photography

This is my 2nd piece from the by SMITH collection & they are certainly a brand I not only admire (made in America!), but feel freaking great in! Last Spring I styled this most amazing by SMITH skirt - full post here (the same cut of the skirt is still available, but in a fun new print!) & today I am back showing a dress from their 2016 Collection! Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for an amazing giveaway too!

This dress is pretty much my idea of perfection! Straps that perfectly hide your bra, a flattering fit & flare shape & POCKETS! I love that I can easily see myself wearing this dress for Easter, but also more casual events - as styled with my favorite denim jacket. I am happy to bring my blooming flower necklace back into rotation (last worn in this outfit from 2013) & know that this new clutch from Beau & Ro is going to be going every where with me this Spring - including our upcoming trip to Asheville!

Shop the Beau & Ro Sconset clutch/crossbody bag for 30% off with code HERENOW (valid through March 25, 2016). 

Want to get a piece of the by SMITH collection for yourself? Enter to win a $150 giveaway through the widget below. A random winner will be selected next week!

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watch it girl

top: lace up bodysuit ℅ American Threads

skirt: J.Crew Factory blush pleated skirt

bag: computer bag ℅ Fab.com

watch: leather strap watch ℅ Fab.com

shoes: old from DSW - found super similar ones from Sole Society here.

All Photos | Catherine Truman Photography

Shop my favorite blush pink pieces:

Happy Friday! Today I have for you a story that perfectly sums up this crazy roller coaster of a week + the follow up outfit from my office make-over post with Fab.com. You choose if you want story time or just pictures, but be sure to scroll down for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree from Fab!

Story Time:

Last night after feeding the pugs, we heard Scout coughing a LOT. Breathing problems are nothing new for any pug owner, so we calmly went through the steps of making sure that her airway was clear, & ruled out any other common issues. None of our usual tricks worked, & all of a sudden I noticed that her tongue was turning purple (!!!). We ran to the car, rushing over to the emergency vet (luckily only a mile from our house), sure that she was going to totally stop breathing any second (I was in scary dog mom mode!). We sat in the car debating whether we were being over protective dog owners, or if the $85 fee to get into the emergency clinic was totally necessary. She continued to breathe (if somewhat belabored), & was actively coughing, so we sat in the parking lot to wait it out. After about 30 minutes I was ready to just go into the clinic to figure out what the heck was wrong with our little lady.

At the same time, Scout started doing this crazy sneeze/cough combo, & out shot a single kibble that had been lodged up in her nasal cavity - Tyler & I just looked at each other & started laughing.

Life lesson: 

I'm constantly tripping over myself by rushing for a resolution, however some problems just have to be wrestled with for a while, but eventually the kibble will dislodge itself... 

Ok, if you are just here for the outfit photos, I have to gush about some extra special accessories in today's look. I LOVE the leather strap watch (feels like buttah!) & amazing work bag (pocket perfection!) I found at Fab - both pieces are not only attractive, but high quality & functional! When we were shooting these photos, my photographer had to check out the bag for herself because she was so impressed :) .

In fact, we are still 10 months from Christmas & I am already planning my holiday shopping list around all of the amazingly unique finds on Fab! 

Looking to upgrade your every day style or your birthday/holiday gift giving? Fab.com is giving you a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree! To qualify for entry, fill out the entry form over on Fab.com. You can qualify for extra entries by following/liking Fab.com on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest. The contest has now been extended to March 15th, 2016. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on March 16, 2016. Fab will reach out directly to the winner via email to send $1,000 site credit.

work of art

skirt: mosaic skirt c/o Shabby Apple

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

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo

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.

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make your list, check it twice

I've spoken before about my love of giving gifts, really for all occasions, even making up new ones from time to time. I really do take great pleasure in picking out specific presents for individuals in my life - thinking about what they need, & sometimes surprising them with things they didn't even know they wanted, but love (one of my all time successes was giving my now husband a beginners beer making kit, which turned into a full blown passion that he didn't even know he had!)

I have actually already completed my holiday shopping (YAY!!!) - including the 5 birthdays I have in my family from Thanksgiving to New Years (DOUBLE YAY!!!) - & am happy to share some of my shopping secrets.

**Scroll down for a $100 gift card giveaway from Simon Malls to help wrap up your shopping list too!

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" - Buddy the Elf

At the minimum, my relatives receive a holiday card from me, with a recent picture inside - I love getting holiday cards from friends & family - as it is sometimes the smallest gestures that make the biggest impacts.

For your friends who have a love to travel - give the gift of a new weekender bag, so they can tackle their next adventure in style. I love this plaid duffle from my local Old Navy Outlet store.

As a style blogger, I have the opportunity to test drive many different clothes & beauty products, & it is fun for me to give friends & family some of my favorites. On this years gift giving list are these chic (& oh so super affordable) black ballet flats from Old Navy, my beloved boatneck striped shirt from J.Crew Factory, & these wonderfully cozy flannel buttons downs (with awesome leather elbow patches) from the J.Crew Factory men's selection.

If you don't know exactly what to give someone this season (or they are someone who already has EVERYTHING!), you can't go wrong with scarves & candles. My favorite scarf shopping destinations (& the order of scarves that I'm holding below), are Gap Factory (the goal dot and grey chevron ones are recent purchases from there), J.Crew Factory (the red one is currently in stock still), & Aerie (freaking love their blanket scarves - you can never have enough!)

Despite my best planning, there always seems to be someone that I forgot (or a last minute hostess gift needed) - so I keep a stock of Yankee candles on hand. They have so many great scents - that will make your house smell like the holidays for weeks & also offer up some super stylish easy melt wax warmers (I just got gifted a stylish white porcelain one that I already have plugged in, making our apartment smell seriously divine!)

I enjoy finding creative ways to wrap my presents & this year I am thinking more about how to eliminate waste in my wrapping paper game. This cute Buffalo "BEAST" bag (from Old Navy Factory) will be a great way to wrap my sister's present - she writes a blog called Ernie Bufflo & is a super beast mom to twin 3 year old girls.

Needing small gifts for co-workers? Give them their favorite gift card (January will be better with a Starbuck's gift card in hand) in this cute polka dot zip pouch, or tech friendly gloves to make their commute cozier (both under $5 & from Old Navy Factory).

My go-to stocking stuffer ideas are socks (shop the men's section for some cheeky printed ones!) or pom-pom hats (socks from J.Crew factory, hats below both from Gap Factory).

The great thing about all of my top shops for finding gifts, is that they are all housed at the Nashville Opry Mills Mall! I prefer going to the mall when I want to cross everyone off my list, all at once, avoiding paying for any shipping costs & I always save a ton. On my recent trip, I scored all of my items (including amazing things for my mom from the Kate Spade Factory store, cozy clothes for my nieces from Carter's, and fun Nashville items for out of town relatives) at over 60% off retail!

Lucky for you, Opry Mills is giving one of you a $100 gift card to finish up your holiday elfing! Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget, & the randomly selected winner will be notified by email next week!

Get social with Opry Mills: Website (lists all of their amazing stores) // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

This post was sponsored by Opry Mills Mall, but all opinions and reviews are my own. Thank you for supporting brands & businesses that are such great partners of my blog. 

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stripes + spots

sunglasses: Carrera sunglasses ℅ Sunglasses Shop

top: J.Crew Factory

jeans: "twiggy" jeans ℅ James Jeans

shoes: J.Crew Factory

purse: "Natalie" crossbody in cheetah print ℅ Vera Bradley 

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo

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!)

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