GALLERY WALL

I get my couch in today, which basically means now the living room can start to come together. We have two open walls and I'd like to do some sort of gallery wall on one of them. I love Mackenzie's gallery wall in her NYC apartment - and if you haven't already seen her apartment feature on Glitter Guide, check it out immediately after reading this! I've already collected a couple good prints, like this "Hey Y'all" print to start one in our living room, but it's definitely not something you can just throw together in a weekend. I like the idea of having this Nashville neighborhood print somewhere in our house - but I think I would want to do a custom order of a simple black print on white matte paper. It's honestly amazing how long it takes to get a house to feel like a home... but it's definitely worth it seeing everything come together!

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A VERY HAPPY WEEKEND

Oh, Monday. Here again way too quickly. Doesn't it always feel like there should be another day to recover and rest? 

I had the happiest of weekends, and I hope you all did too! On Friday, I got last minute tickets to the Taylor Swift concert through work and oh my gosh. The concert was ah-ma-zing. I've always been a fan of T-Swift, but I was blown away by her show. It's not just a concert, it's a complete production. She sounds incredible live, and just does a fantastic job entertaining her fans. It's safe to say I have never seen so many blinking lights and young girls at a concert, but I loved it. So much screaming, it was hysterical. 

Saturday morning I drove up to Indiana with Claire and Courtney for our Brookie's wedding! The ceremony was in a gorgeous Catholic church and Brooke as well as the bridesmaids all looked stunning. The reception was held at a family friend's house under a big white tent. It was seriously so beautiful. I'm so happy for Brooke and Mark, and wish them nothing but the happiest of a life together. 

One of the best parts about the wedding was that we had a little sorority reunion! Fifteen of us made the trip celebrate the Elliott's big day, and it was just the happiest. It reminds me how lucky I am to have so many amazing, incredible, loving friends all across the country. And whether we haven't seen each other for a couple months or 2 years, nothing has changed between us. We are still the best of friends, having a great time together, dancing the night away, limbo-ing, and breaking into the hotel pool at 1 AM. Fabulous weekend, girls. Let's have another engagement ASAP so we can have this much fun again! Any takers?

Happy honeymooning, Brooke and Mark! We all love you! :)

Have a great Monday, everyone.

currently

Anyone know how it is already Friday?! I swear this week just flew by. It was a fun one - we had a pre-launch party our moonshine client Monday night, Adweek named The Buntin Group top agency in Tennessee, went to a "Style Setters" event at the Hermitage Hotel on Wednesday and spent last night relaxing. This weekend I'm headed to Indiana to see a sorority sister get married. Can't wait - it's the first wedding of my group of friends and I'm SO excited to see everyone and celebrate Brooke and Mark! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. Now for my weekly loves and lusts:

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1. Lulu & Georgia Lydia Lamps: If you haven't heard of Lulu & Georgia, head to the site now. They have a fantastic assortment of rugs at all prices, lamps, pillows, and home accessories. I love the set of the Lydia lamps. I think the chartreuse is so fun, but I could also go for a neutral like black or ivory.

2. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket: I mentioned last week I want a leather motorcycle jacket - although with my budget I likely will be settling for a "vegan" (aka a fancy way to say fake) leather jacket. If I had endless funds, I would be making this Alexander Wang jacket mine. It's basically perfect. This Old Navy version is a pretty decent option though, and $50 is much more affordable!

3. Club Monaco Sunglasses: Because why not? They are a classic shape and I love tortoiseshell.

4. Dash & Albert Rug: We are in need of a rug and I think this one is an excellent one. After seeing it on Liz's blog, it seems like the perfect balance of a pattern and a neutral. 

5. Sailor Knot Earrings: Mackenzie has such a good selection of products in her shop, Design Darling, and these earrings are just one of many items to catch my eye. I currently wear diamonds as my every day earring, but I think a classic pair of gold earrings is an essential. 

6. J.Crew Elbow Patch Sweater: It just wouldn't be right not to include J.Crew, would it?! I absolutely love all of the new fall arrivals, including this sweater with the leather elbow patches. So cute, classic, and cozy for the fall months ahead!

Deals & Steals

J.Crew - 25% off all purchases through 9/25

Gap - 35% off all purchases through today

LOREN HOPE FALL COLLECTION

 

 

 

 

Oh my gosh. I've posted about Loren Hope before, but can we talk about how amazing her fall collection is? I literally want every piece in my collection, but the above are some of my favorites. The necklaces are definitely a little on the pricier side, but the earrings and bracelets are definitely doable and would make great gifts. The colors are just so fall and so pretty. I'm in love!

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LOOKS I'M LOVING

I've been pinning like crazy to my "Style" Pinterest board recently (follow me!) It's easy to fall in a rut of wearing the same top with jeans week after week, so with fall approaching it's nice to have some new inspiration! I love the first look - the green jacket is such a pretty color and the whole look is very casual chic. I'm digging the motorcycle jacket with the high waisted pants. Printed pants are just so awesome. The third look is so classic Ralph Lauren. Adding a fisherman's sweater to my fall wishlist. Outfit number four: Can I stress how much I want a leather skirt for the fall? Maybe this one or this one? The black on black is awesome. And finally - who knew denim on denim could look so good? Love the statement necklace and chic white blazer. 

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Currently

I've decided to start another series on the blog called "Currently". Each Friday I will highlight certain things I've either come across during the week and absolutely love, or pieces that I've been lusting after for some time. I hope you all enjoy the series and as always - I love hearing feedback!

Also - you may have noticed some slight website redesign. I'm in the process of making the site more personalized and not the standard template it once was. I've added an About Me section, and a Nashville section, where I'll highlight my favorite places to eat, go out, and shop in Music City.

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1. J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweater : How comfy and cozy does this sweater look? I want it in literally every color. Especially this gray and the dusty jade. Even better - J.Crew is offering 25% off select shirts, sweaters, and bags through Sunday, and this sweater happens to be one of them. 

2. J.Crew Etta Pump in Calf Hair : I'm pretty sure I would wear these shoes with just about everything this fall and winter. I don't own a pair of the Etta pumps, but I've read other bloggers rave about them. I love the chunky heel and haven't you heard? Leopard is the new black. 

3. Anthropologie Celestial Coaster Set : As I'm in the process of decorating my not so new house, I'm on the look out for things to make it feel truly like my own. I know coasters aren't exactly essential, but once we get the coffee table in, these would come in handy for drinks. Plus I love them... the question is, which color?

4. Kate Spade Saturday Heeled Boots : Want. Want. Want. I so badly want a good pair of heeled boots for fall. They are right up there with a leather skirt and motorcycle jacket. These ones from the Kate Spade Saturday line are borderline perfect. Now can they go on sale?

5. Bauble Bar Ice Salazar Earrings : Because why not? Every girl can use some awesome earrings in her jewelry box.

6. NY Times 36 Hours Southeast : Again in the spirit of decorating the house, I think this would be a great book to have on the coffee table. Plus, living in the Southeast I would like to take full advantage of traveling around. I already have my Southern Living magazines bookmarked, and this would only add to my to-do list with insider information on where to eat, travel, shop, and sight see. 

7. Loren Hope "Carina" Necklace : Loren Hope's fall line will be receiving a dedicated post, but this is just one of the amazing pieces I'm coveting. I honestly would like every single necklace, bracelet, and earring set in her collection. Oh em gee.

IN PARADISE VALLEY

Disclaimer: I actually started drafting this post a week or so ago, but didn't post due to no Internet :)

So here's the thing. John Mayer is probably my all time favorite artist. I love Lady Antebellum and I love Justin Timberlake and Matt Wertz and Mumford, but J-May is the one artist I could probably listen to every day, every hour and never get tired of his voice or songs. I know he's had his issues with the media and women, but I can look past all of that because he is actually an amazing, talented musician. It should come as no surprise, then, that I'm listening to his new album Paradise Valley on repeat. 

First of all - this is John Mayer with his heart completely on his sleeve. In my opinion, (and some critics), it's the most open and vulnerable album he's probably ever put out. Take the lyrics for example: "Dear Marie": Remember me // I'm the boy you loved when we were 15 // Now I wonder what you think when you see me on a magazine. Or "You Love Who You Love", a song featuring girlfriend Katy Perry: And some have said his hearts too hard to hold // And it takes a little time, but you should see him when he shines... It's just good. 

Oh and the best news that hit me yesterday? John Mayer is coming to Nashville in December. 

Count. Me. In.

NASHVILLE EATS: ROLF AND DAUGHTERS

It has been some time since I did a Nashville Eats post, and I can't think of a better restaurant than Rolf and Daughters to reintroduce the series. It was recently voted #3 "Best New Restaurant in America" by Bon Appetit, so you know it has to be good. Located in the up-and-coming Germantown, it has a great ambience, with a rustic but urban charm. I have been fortunate enough to eat at Rolf and Daughters not once, but twice. The second time was simply amazing - it was a work dinner and as our reps worked in the food industry, we sampled just about every dish on the menu, from starters to pastas to entrees and finishing with dessert.

Of the pastas, we tried the garganelli verde, farro gemelli, and squid ink canestri. Chef Philip Krajeck makes each of the pastas fresh daily and it is honestly impossible to say which of the three is my favorite, because each were so different and amazing. I was a little hesitant about pasta with squid ink, but wow, it was good. The farro gemelli was very light, almost with a slight lemon flavor from the sauce, and the garganelli verde had a marinara sauce and was just plain delicious. We also had the heritage chicken, yorkshire pork, and dry aged meatballs for entrees. Yum, yum, yum. I think the chicken was my favorite, and I can't even do justice describing it, but it was so tender and full of flavor. The meatballs and pork were also great, but quite heavy, so I recommend splitting with your dinner date. Of the menu, I think the pasta shines the brightest, but you really, truly cannot go wrong.

If you live in Nashville - make a reservation as soon as you can, because Rolf and Daughters truly is one of Nashville's best. If a visit to Music City is in the future, make sure to stop by. You will not be disappointed. Now I have to go make a reservation for my third visit. I'm salivating just thinking about it. :)

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THE PERFECT LAYERING CAMI

Awhile back, I posted about Tibi and J.Crew's silk camis, and how much I wanted one. I ended up purchasing the J.Crew one in lavender and have gotten a ton of wear out of it, but since I have found an even better deal. Top Shop carries camis in a large variety of colors, in both a v-neck and scoop neck version, for just $36. I own the scoop version in a light grey color, and it's pretty awesome. My friend Lucy actually thought it was Tibi - however it's 100% polyester, not silk! Being made of polyester makes it easy to wash - just throw it in the washer and let it air dry. Silk can get so tricky with stains and dry cleaning, and who has the time for that?! With fall temperatures approaching, I'm always looking for a great layering piece for blazers, jackets, and cardigans, and I think I have found the winner. Definitely want to stock up the basic black and cream, as well as a color - maybe this green?


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WEEKEND IN REVIEW: ATHENS, GA

I love when I get to spend the weekend with my family. Being spread slightly across the country (or Midwest/Southeast), we don't get to spend tons of time together, but when we do, it's oh-so special. This weekend I made it down to Athens, GA for the UGA vs. South Carolina game - a little sibling school rivalry. My dad flew in as well, which made it even more fun.We had a great day in Athens, and much to Jane's happiness and Peter's disappointment, the Dawgs came out on top. A great weekend with an even greater family - my only complaint is that the weekend wasn't long enough!

Happy Monday!