ON MY RADAR

Gap's new jeans, the oh-so trendy mules and bucket bag, cute new glassware for the barcart... just a few things that are on my radar this week!

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FIXER UPPER OBSESSED

Y'all, I have a major addiction. Like it might be a problem. Have you seen HGTV's newest hit show Fixer Upper? It's a home renovation show based in Waco, TX. The hosts and renovators, Chip and Joanna Gaines are the cutest people ever with an amazing sense of design. I'm not kidding when I say I'm ready to pack my bags and move to Waco so they can design a home for me. 

I've always loved any kind of "before and after" - makeovers on Oprah, What Not To Wear, Trading Places... the list goes on - and Fixer Upper does not disappoint. Chip and Joanna are incredible. They literally can take any home at any budget and completely transform it into something entirely different, beautiful, and amazing. Every single time I watch I think "WHOA!" 

Like, what?! Also, I'm ready to move into that living room now.

No, that can't be the same house. But it is. 

Now, not every kitchen is in that bad of shape, but that is a total transformation. This entire house was actually a crazy transformation.

I think what I love more about Fixer Upper than other design and renovation shows is that I truly love Joanna's style. Obviously, not everything is completely my style, but I'm pinning and making mental notes for my someday house. Joanna does such a good job of making each home unique to the couple living there and it's the details that make the show so amazing. 

To get the Fixer Upper look, you can shop Magnolia Homes online! I love these wooden trays, this side table, this sign for a nursery, these bud vases... I could keep going. 

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Have you seen Fixer Upper? What's your design style like?

IS IT SPRING YET?

I'm sure you all feel the exact same way, but I am so, so incredibly ready for spring and summer. I want to say goodbye to heavy sweaters and boots for 6 months and say hello to sandals, skirts, and tanks!!

I've always thought of myself as a "dress" girl, in that I would typically reach for a dress over pants to wear on a night out or to work. In the past year or so, that has changed, and I have been gravitating much more towards separates (as I think the retail industry as a whole has). This spring I want to add some lightweight pant options to my closet. I have a pair of printed flowy pants from Anthropologie that I purchased years ago and they remain one of my go-to's and favorite pieces in my closet. I will definitely be purchasing this pair from J.Crew (grey and black?!) once Frugal February is over, and I am dying over the Calypso options (1 & 3). Actually, I'll take every single pair above!

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Shop the post: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

CHANEL ESPADRILLES FOR LESS

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We've all seen the Chanel espadrilles on some of our favorite bloggers. While I would say I'm a heels person far more than a flats person, I can't deny how effortlessly chic these espadrilles look on everyone who wears them... and I'm kind of wanting some. But let's be honest, I'm not affording them anytime soon, so let's do what any smart girl would do - find the look alikes! Tory Burch has a pair that look pretty similar for $135 - much cheaper than the Chanel price tag. And leave it to Target to come out with an even more affordable pair - $25! I'm 5 days into Frugal February and I already want to make a purchase..... Someone stop me!!!!

LOEFFLER RANDALL SPRING 2015

Hello Monday! Everyone, it's 60 degrees here right now and I am LOVING it, despite the fact I have to spend my day at work in a sad cubicle. But regardless, it was beautiful this weekend and it's supposed to be 60 tomorrow, so I can only think about spring and spring clothing. No shame, you all are doing it too, admit it.

So I am absolutely obsessed with Loeffler Randall's spring line of shoes. The Shea Mules have to be mine. I don't know how that's going to happen given the price tag, but when there's a will, there's a way. And how cute are the sandals and leopard espadrilles? The espadrilles would be such a perfect transition shoe into spring, before I feel totally comfortable breaking my pale feet out from boots and into sandals. Why is it only January, and where are you, April?

What do you have your eye on for spring? Love any of these shoes?

TARGET X LILLY PULITZER

Guys. I am freaking out about Target's next designer collaboration: LILLY PULITZER! 

I have long loved and admired the Lilly brand. Unless you only dress in black (admitted, my winter wardrobe), you can't help but feel a little brighter and happier when seeing their prints. Now, I'm nowhere close to the level of my friend Whitney (her closet of Lilly is insane), but I do love a good dose of color in my life, especially after long winters. And y'all, this collaboration looks amazing. Normally I am wary of Target's designer collabs, but this actually looks worthy of my attention and the products look identical to what you would find in a Lilly store... so I pretty much want to scoop up every single item. 

The collection will have over 250 items ranging in price from $2 - $30. Affordable, fun, and bright. Can't go wrong with that.

Are you as excited as I am?! 

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WINTER COATS

So yesterday actually felt like winter, which I'm not ready for one bit. Is anyone else wondering where fall went?! With this sudden drop in temperatures, I've looked at my coat collection and decided I definitely need a winter coat update. I have some great coats for fancier occasions, but as for an everyday, great winter coat... that's missing. 

I've rounded up a few options that I love that are across the board in terms of price (especially when you consider Banana Republic's consistent 35-40% off deals!) I want something that hits mid thigh and is classic and I can wear for a few years, but with a little something different that makes it stand out from a peacoat. I personally am leaning towards 3 or 5, but 2 is sooo pretty with the red and the fur - what do you all think?!

Shop the Post:

one // two // three

four // five // six

OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

Now that the temperatures are actually dropping (it was 48 degrees when I woke up this morning!) it's time for me to seriously start investing in pieces to carry me from November through February. On the top of my wishlist? Over the knee boots. I'm picturing pairing these with my black J.Crew pixie pants, cozy sweaters, pretty tops, chambray shirts - really anything! I think they would also look super chic with black tights and a skirt or dress.

I've rounded up a few great options that hit all price ranges. If you are saving your pennies or not sure about the trend, your most affordable option is with Chinese Laundry for $99. Worth the splurge? Trust Olivia Palermo and make the splurge for the Stuart Weitzman 5050 boot. A total classic, but a hefty price tag ($635). As for me, I think I'm falling somewhere in the middle with either the Vince Camuto or the Louise et Cie options. Both are nearly replicas of the 5050 boot, so I don't think I can go wrong!

What are your thoughts on over the knee boots? Yay or nay?

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Shop the post from left to right: Chinese Laundry Riley Boot // Louise et Cie Boot // Vince Camuto Karita Boot // Sam Edelman Johanna Boot // Stuart Weitzman 5050

MUST-HAVE TIBI DRESS

I saw this dress as one of Tibi's new arrivals the other day and I'm kind of obsessing over it at the moment. It is completely, 100% out of my budget by about $450, but a girl can dream, right? I also have no occasion to wear it, but I can envision it for a more formal fall/winter wedding or holiday party. I also think it could work in the summer with some strappy sandals. The shape is very classic, but the feather trim gives it an edgy, fun twist. Gahhhhh, it's just too good.

EVERLANE

Happy October, everyone! I absolutely love the month of October and I'm going to try to pack every fall-ish thing I possibly can into this month. Pumpkin spice candles burning on repeat, a trip to the drive-in movie, pumpkin carving, Halloween movies... yep, I love it all!

In other news, I have a recent clothing obsession. Have you all heard of Everlane? They make beautiful basic clothing like tshirts, tanks, blouses, etc., but unlike major labels and brands, they don't mark the price up 8x before selling. Isn't it the worst when you are spending $30+ dollars on a stupid white t-shirt that isn't even that great? Well, Everlane totally solves that problem.

I got the Ryan tank in the mail on Friday and I'm embarrassed proud to say I wore it 3 times in 5 days. The fit is perfect. It's loose, while still flattering. And it's made of rayon, so it's super slinky and soft. Not kidding, I'm going to order it in every color - that's how much I love it. And it's only $20, which is SO MUCH CHEAPER than a tank from Vince (no hate, but this girl is on a budget).

  Also on my radar: the u-neck tee, the silk pocket blouse, and these beautiful loafers.

Want your basic world changed? Clicky click to buy. You're welcome.

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY

Lou & Grey top  //  Loft booties  //  J.Crew jeans (old, similar)

After a hot summer, I think Nashville is finally starting to cool off for good. This past weekend got pretty warm, but most of the humidity is gone, which makes all the difference.

Dressing for this in-between weather can be tricky. It is typically around high 50s, low 60s in the morning, but can warm up to low 80s by afternoon. Thoughts that go through my head: Is it too early to wear boots? When can I start breaking out sweaters? Am I being too eager wearing this jacket? Life as a girl is tough!

Luckily, booties are back for another year and although my boyfriend hates them, I happen to love them.  They serve as the perfect transitional shoe in early fall. They aren't as heavy as riding boots, but don't make you look like you can't let go of summer. I paired them with a pair of jeans and a super comfortable top from Loft's new line Lou & Grey (I'm obsessed). Throw on a jacket or replace the top with a sweater for cooler temps and I have effortlessly transitioned from early fall to late fall!

FALL WISHLIST

It is officially fall, y'all! Fall is one of my absolutely favorite seasons because it means crisp days, football Saturdays, THANKSGIVING, and of course, cozy layers and fun new clothes!

These are just a few things I'm loving for fall. I'm not typically a flats person (I like a little bit of a heel), but something about those leopard sneakers are just calling to me. This olive green vest from Old Navy would be perfect to throw on over a sweater during cooler days and you can't beat the price. Also loving this chartreuse skirt, cozy pocket sweater and pretty scarf. I think I would get more than enough wear out of these pieces through fall and the winter months!

What are you loving for fall? Any splurges you are making?

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Shop the post:
  Pocket Tunic Sweater  //  Zip Pocket Mini Skirt  //  Quilted Vest  //  Leopard Sneakers  //  Madewell Transport Tote  //  ID Ring  //  J.Crew Four Square Scarf  // Lou.C. Necklace

BUCKET BAG FOR LESS

Someday, I will feature items from somewhere other than Old Navy. But right now I'm on a budget, and Old Navy is also killing it. Enter these little bucket bags, priced right at $30. Ummmm what?! I've had my eye on the beautiful Mansur Gavriel bucket bag for awhile, but let's be honest, that's not a realistic purchase and may never be. This is a perfect compromise, and much more affordable. Now the question is, which color?! I kind of love all three...

FLASH TATTOOS

When I think about temporary tattoos, I'm not thinking of anything cool or chic. In my mind, tattoos are something kids wear that come out of a Cracker Jack box or from a parade. So imagine my amazement when I stumbled across Flash Tattoos - jewelry in temporary tattoo form.

 I will never get a permanent tattoo, but this temporary bracelet tattoos are definitely something I can get behind. If I wasn't in awe already, a woman in my Barre3 class had a few bracelet tattoos on and it looked so. cool. I love the simplicity of the bracelets and rings, and the necklaces are totally unexpected. I didn't go to any music festivals this summer, and I don't have any plans to, but this would be the perfect accessory - you don't have to worry about losing jewelry while still looking like you're wearing it! My favorites are the Lena and Josephine, but there are plenty of other options to choose from as well.

Have you tried Flash Tattoos? What did you think? I'm excited to test them out... I think the Lena is going to be my first pick.

J.CREW NEW ARRIVALS: THE SILK SLEEVELESS DRESS

 

J.Crew just released new arrivals for early fall, and I'll more than likely be doing a post on J.Crew's fall collection, but it's still summer, so let's think about summer things, okay?! With the exception of this dress, that is... because it can totally function for late summer, early fall, and it's everything I want in a dress.

Okay, maybe not everything, but I really love it. It comes in five different colors and I want pretty much all of them. It's so versatile - you can wear it now with sandals or in the fall with boots and a jacket.

Now I'll just patiently wait for J.Crew to offer 30% off full price items and snatch it up!


Shop: J.Crew Silk Sleeveless Dress

SAVE OR SPLURGE: OLD NAVY MINI

Old Navy, you've done it again. My sister bought this Madewell silk mini last year and I'm pretty sure it sold out super quickly in stores and online - at least before I could snag it. Not a big deal though, because Old Navy has pretty much an identical version for a quarter of the price. The biggest difference is that the Madewell version is silk, and Old Navy's is rayon, but let's be honest, when it's this cheap, does it matter?! Mine is in the mail to me and I can't wait to get some good wear out of it through September. 

Shop: Old Navy Dolphin Skirt in Polar Bear

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY: fashionABLE

top // pants (old, similar) // scarf // necklace

Summer just makes me so happy. The days are longer, the nights are hotter, and the beer tastes better. This is one of my go-to outfits for going out for drinks/dinner with friends or for date night. The palazzo pants are so deceiving - they look fancy but actually, they are like wearing pajamas. 

While I love summer for it's warm temps, I feel like restaurants and bars think that's a go-ahead to blast the AC. Inevitably, I'm always a little bit cold while inside. Enter this gorgeous scarf from fashionABLE. It's perfect because it's lightweight for the warm summer months, but also keeps me warm. Even better? The mission behind fashionABLE. 

The company was started by Barrett Ward, a local to Nashville, after he visited Ethiopia and saw the lack of resources and opportunity for women in the region. Because of the lack of opportunity, many women are forced into the sex trafficking industry or prostitution to make a living. This prompted Barrett to take action. He works with the women to hep them start small business cooperatives, and then partners and requires manufacturers to employ the women with fair wages and fair hiring practices. Now these women create gorgeous scarves, leather goods, and home accessories for fashionABLE, creating a more sustainable business and positive future. 

I strongly encourage you to take a look at the products - it's such a great mission and each purchase helps a woman provide for herself and her family in a positive, healthy, and productive way. I'm loving this blanket, this scarf, and these bracelets. Now this is a shopping spree you can feel good about. :)

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this post was sponsored by fashionABLE. All opinions are my own.

PRETTY THINGS

This isn't an earth shattering post, just some pretty things from Anthropologie I wouldn't mind wearing this beautiful week.

In the fall and especially winter, I really tend to stick to darker colors and more neutrals. Once April hits though, I'm ready to wear as many bright colors as humanly possible. I can't get enough of color. Anthropologie has some great options and the above three are just a few I'm loving.

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SO CLUTCH

This winter I invested in a new everyday purse from J.Crew and have used it like crazy. Next on my purse wishlist is a new clutch I can use casually or dress up. I have a great one from J.Crew that I got for Christmas a few years ago, but it's always good to have options, right? I'm really loving these embossed python clutches from Gigi New York - I mean how beautiful are they?! And the fact that you can add a monogram is just so clutch! Ha!

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currently

Happy Friday! This post is coming straight from the Nashville airport.

I'm really sorry about the radio silence this week. It was a busy weekend with friends in town and this work week didn't slow down at all, with plans every. single. night. I'm not complaining, everything was fun, but I feel like I've just been going non-stop. Can someone tell me what even happened in March? I swear it has flown by way more quickly than other months. No excuses though, I'm going to be better and get back to my regular posting come Monday.

A few things I'm loving on this week... can you tell I'm ready for the pool, warm summer nights and al fresco dinners?! It actually snowed on Tuesday - talk about a sick joke by Mother Nature.

This weekend I'm heading off to Washington DC for a huge party known as TOTS (Taste of the South). Couldn't be more excited to be with best friends, in our nation's capitol, breaking it down on the dance floor. Currently waiting on a plane to arrive so I can actually get there... Got to love traveling. Hope you all have fun plans this weekend - and I'll be back on Monday with a recap of my trip!

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Furbish Studio Ikat Pillow
Lilly Pulitzer Tumblers
Ark & Co. Maxi Dress
J.Crew Flower Petals Bracelet
J.Crew Pave Line Drop Earrings
Oh Joy! For Target Ice Bucket
Boden Beach Tunic
Sole Society Wedges