solid decision

{ What I Wore to grab drinks with Shelby: J.Crew Factory tank // J.Crew Panama Hat // ASOS pleated maxi skirt // Kendra Scott bracelet, dainty necklace, and fringe necklace // DSW mules // sunglasses ℅ Krewe Optic (similar) }

all photos | Kate Davis Photo 

Lately I have been drawn to monochromatic dressing. First it was all white, now I can't get enough of all black. Not only is it super easy (everything matches!), but I find it quite chic as well. 

Have you tried your hand at monochromatic dressing lately?

Day in Nashville: Midtown

{ What I Wore for exploring: Le Tote crop top + skirt // ShoeDazzle sandals (similar) // Rebecca Minkoff purse // J.Crew Panama Hat // Ray Ban aviators }

all photos | Rae Marshall Photography 

An outfit for exploring my town. See more of my adventures in the West End/Midtown area of Nashville in the latest Sip, Shop, See post. 

Nashville Shopping: UAL

I loved putting together the second Sip, Shop, See post, featuring the Nashville neighborhood of West End/Midtown, & wanted to show more from my trip to the fabulous luxury liquidator boutique, UAL. 

all photos | Rae Marshall Photography 

UAL is one of those places you must check regularly, or risk missing out on serious scores. The day I popped in, I took over 20 items to the dressing room & that was after excising some major will power to not take in everything!

I first fell in LOVE with this L'Wren Scott dress - the birds reminded me of a Picasso print I had in my room growing up, & the fit was just perfect! From the 2013 Resort Collection, I still regret not getting this forever piece while I had the chance!

I also fell head over heels for this pair of paper bag shorts from Theory. I couldn't even believe they were made of leather - so soft, so perfect!

But those pockets!!

For all you Nashville ladies (& gents!) get thyself to UAL (On West End by the Piggly Wiggly)

Everyone else, check out UAL on eBay!

Summer Survival

{ What I Wore to teach: L.Mae boutique top* // J.Crew Factory skirt // SoleSociety wedges (these are the most comfortable wedges I have ever owned, they pass the all day teaching test!) // tote ℅ Shop ban.do // Kendra Scott bracelet* // shape wear ℅ Maidenform, for review purposes }

*purchased with a coupon generously provided by the Southern Blog Society Conference

all photos | Kate Davis Photo

We are officially in the days of Summer Survival, it is hot, hot & HOT here!

My Summer dressing problems include: sheer materials, VPLs, strapless tops/dresses, & sweat.

However, I recently found some serious Summer dressing solutions thanks to Maidenform. The full slip shaper is made of super breathable material, hides sweat & turns sheer tops into work appropriate attire (wearing it in the outfit above). The slimming shorts are so great for hiding VPLs under pencil skirts, & I love tucking my button downs into them for all day tuck-age (one of my go to tricks!). I also am obsessed with the new additions to the Maidenfrom strapless bra selection. I am wearing the Comfort Devotion bra in this post & greatly appreciated it's all day comfort (the name says it all!)

Share your Summer Style Solutions with @Maidenform on Twitter - tag #MFSummerSurvival so I can be sure to retweet too!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Maidenform. The opinions and text are all mine.

Sip, Shop, See: West End

I had so much fun with the last Sip, Shop, See installment & couldn't wait to share more of my town with you! Thank you for your warm response, very happy to see that you are as excited for this series as I am. Today I'm taking you along to another part of Nashville, this time we are in the Midtown/West End area. (The last Sip, Shop, See was in Hillsboro Village, check it our here.) 

Midtown/West End flanks Vanderbilt & is frequented by young professionals, from Vandy & the many hospitals/banks/businesses in the surrounding area. Both Division & Demonbreun Street have vibrant bar scenes, & West End is dotted with cute shops, & most notably, Centennial Park. It is a great place to meet & mingle after work.

All Photos | Rae Marshall Photography

A new to the neighborhood bar that is generating quite the buzz is Two Bits. This game centric establishment serves up tasty comfort food, creative cocktails, & a healthy serving of classic board & video games. I go for the tasty treats & my husband for the games! You can play old school console games at your table while you eat/drink (Atari, Nintendo, Sega Genesis) & then hit up the arcade games (Ms Pac Man, Off Road and Donkey Kong - all for free!) or wide selection of board & table games. 

The drink menu from Two Bits will have your mouth watering in 2 seconds - I love the creative names & the unique ingredients! I am still working my way through the list, but right now the G & V (germaine & violette) is topping my list of favorites (actually every drink that I have tried so far is on there as well!)

United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) is located on West End & appears shockingly umremarkable from the road, however, there are major treasures waiting inside. UAL might actually be one of the best kept shopping secrets in town. Specializing in high-end, luxury products at close-out prices, you never know what you will find, but you know it will be amazing. (Non-Nashville residents, you are in luck, UAL is now selling their fab finds on eBay!)

On my most recent visit I found DvF dresses for $60, Kate Spade shoes under $50, Prada pants for $150 (down from $890), a L'Wren Scott dress & butter soft leather Theory paper bag waist shorts. Definitely go with your girlfriends & be ready to want to try everything on!

Centennial Park is an iconic fixture that sits in the middle of Nashville. Iconic mostly because it has a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, but also because it hosts so many "Nashville" experiences, including: Musicians Corner, Big Band Dances, Tennessee Crafts Fair (happens at least twice a year & is my favorite time to pick up Christmas presents), Shakespeare in the Park, afternoon naps under the glorious shade tress, Food Truck meet-ups & pick up frisbee games.

Recently, B Cycle Bikes started popping up all over town, with a new stand in Centennial Park. This bike sharing program is a great way to explore Nashville. You can check in & out bikes all over town, on the cheap. We made our own bike & brewery tour one weekend & I highly recommend it! 

Again, a huge thanks to the businesses that opened their doors to me. Two Bits & UAL are amazing stores that love our local culture. And as always, Rae Marshall did a beyond fantastic job capturing it all.