Wednesday, July 31, 2013

"The Rachel Zoe Diaries"

rz for blog
My friend Hillary is a fashionista at her finest. Though she doesn't blog (yet!), I would definitely love to read what she has to say about not only her fab style but the latest trends. One thing about Hillary: she is obsessed with Rachel Zoe. Ask her a question about the stylist and designer, and Hill probably knows the answer. Hillary's style is definitely channeled after Rachel, so you can imagine just how fashion forward she is. 

Because of this, I asked Hillary to "guest write" for the blog. 
So, check out Hill's TOP TEN below!

10 Reasons Why I Love RACHEL ZOE.
1/ She is basically superwoman: stylist to some of the hottest stars in Hollywood -- Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, and Liv Tyler, just to name a few. Add in fashion designer, wife, and mother, and you've got a full resume.
2/ She's inspired by 1960s and 1970s fashion. Her icons (and my own) include fashion goddesses like Brigitte Bardot, Stevie Nicks, and Bianca Jagger.
3/ Her collection has a hippie chic vibe -- no granolas allowed. Glamorous sequins and gold jewelry offset a Woodstock-esque maxi skirt or bell bottoms.
4/ There is no such thing as over-accessorizing in Zoe world. According to RZ, we should feel free to have a super duper arm party, wear a "midi" ring with a cocktail ring, and then layer on a few necklaces.
5/ No outfit is complete unless you have topped it with a 70s inspired floppy hat and a pair of round framed "sunnies" (think John Lennon or Twiggy)
6/ Lady Zoe lets her outfits flowww. She loves to top a maxi dress with a fringed sleeve kimono or pair a boyfriend cardigan with wide leg trousers.
7/ The only thing chunky about Rach are her heels. Ditch the stiletto and go for a chunky heeled t-strap shoe.
8/ This girl knows how to rock some bangs. Her fringe bangs and not-too-carefully crafted beach waves are a California dream.
9/ The woman is a SLAVE to fashion. She gave birth in Chanel for crying out loud!
10/ We are best friends . . . she just doesn't know it yet. Not a stalker, promise. Well kind of.

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What do you think about Rachel Zoe?

Wanna hear more from Hillary?
Check back next month for another fashion diary from Hill!

xoxo,
Zelle 

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Monday, July 29, 2013

Dreams into Plans -- 101 Things


Mackenzie from Design Darling has a list of 101 things she wants to do in 1,001 days (a little over 2 and a half years). This inspired me to create my own 101 things list -- though I'm going to aim for 1,001 days, some of these things might have to wait a little bit longer than that -- they are more long term goals that I have for my life. I think everyone has a bucket list of sorts -- I know I do -- but writing them all down and crossing them off as they are completed makes it much more exciting. 


So...101 things!

Start: July 29th, 2013 End: February 1st, 2016

1. Come up with 101 things (this is a hard one!)
2. Inspire others to create a 101 in 1,001 list.
3. Run a 5k. 
4. Create and publish my own planner/agenda.
5. Write a book. (working on that one)
6. Eat pasta in Italy.
7. Make 10 recipes from Pinterest.
8. Live in a new city.  (I moved to the Queen City on September 2nd, 2013)
9. Buy a Samsung camera.
10. Find sponsors for my blog.
11. Visit Ireland.
12. Ride a horse.
13. Declutter my home closet.
14. Work out at least 5 days a week for 1 month.
15. Raise $5,000 for the ALS Association.
16. Buy a new pair of running shoes.
17. Start and own a boutique.
18. Organize my book collection.
19. Hang my diploma in my very own office (moved to an office on September 3rd, 2013)
20. Spend New Year's Eve in NYC.
21. Buy a house.
22. Have 1,000 twitter followers.
23. Go back to Lucerne, Switzerland, and spend a few days there.
24. Buy a pair of Louboutins 
25. Take a ballroom dance class.
26. Marry my best friend.
27. Go to Bora Bora (why not?)
28. Send 50 handwritten notes.
29. Get my Master's.
30. Read at least one book a month for one year.
31. Order a MayBook.
32. Get Sophie a puppy friend.
33. Decorate someone else's home.
34. Finally catch up to current Scandal episodes.
35. Send my family snail mail at least once a month after I move.
36. Find my signature shade of lipstick.
37. Work as an interior designer (interning for one was incredible!)
38. Host a dinner party. 
39. Drive 100mph.
40. Go to Miss America.
41. Run the Color Run.
42. Go to a bloggers' conference.
43. Take a spin class.
44. Attend a show at New York Fashion Week.
45. Donate blood. 
46. Redesign the blog (I got a new look on October 17th, 2013) 
47. Take a road trip coast-to-coast. 
48. Buy an iPad. 
49. Try 5 new foods.
50. Post an outfit of the day on my blog. (you can find my very first one here)
51. Do 20 consecutive push-ups.
52. Go skiing. 
53. Sing karaoke. 
54. Reread The Great Gatsby
55. See the Hollywood sign.
56. Organize another fundraising event for the ALS Association.
57. Walk/run 30 miles in 30 days.
58. Throw a surprise party.
59. Try paddle-boarding.
60. Cook dinner every night for one week.
61. Try my hand at photography.
62. Make a purchase from an antique store.
63. Have a picnic.
64. Visit the Biltmore
65. Travel to 3 new states.
66. No fast food for 2 weeks. 
67. Buy a cookbook and cook at least 5 recipes.
68. Try 5 new restaurants.
69. Go to a Derby party.
70. Purchase coffee for a stranger.
71. Learn how to really fold fitted sheets. 
72. Write in my One Line a Day Journal daily.
73. Keep a hard copy of my address book.
74. Move to a new apartment. (SW and I visited on November 9th, 2013)
75. Treat my parents to dinner.
76. Stay at a bed-and-breakfast.
77. Go to a flea-market.
78. Fly first-class.
79. Visit a winery.
80. Go to a drive-in movie.
81. Become a contributor for another blog or online magazine.
82. Donate items I no longer wear.
83. Make my bed every morning (it doesn't happen every day, but at least 5/7 days)
84. Retake the GRE.
85. Get into grad school.
86. Join the Junior League.
87. Subscribe to a favorite magazine.
88. Go zip-lining.
89. Collaborate with a brand I love.
90. Visit a museum.
91. Get a pair of Tory Burch flats.
92. Learn to eat with chopsticks.
93. Plan a surprise date for my special someone.
94. Watch all the nominees for Best Picture before the Academy Awards.
95. Make and maintain a recipe box.
96. Adopt an Angel Tree child at Christmas.
97. Take a spontaneous weekend trip.
98. Take a tour of the White House.
99. Read a Princess Diana memoir. 
100. Put $5 into savings for every goal accomplished.
101. Celebrate these 101 things!




This is a bucket list, right? So DREAM BIG.

xoxo,
Zelle 





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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Notable Nails

As with fashion, there are always waves of nail trends, both crazy and subdued. 
Girls (and some guys, I suppose!), try out the newest manicures of the season. 

Check out some of this season's top nail trends!

Two-Faced: The two-tone manicure has proven to be a nail favorite this year. Though this one is similar to a french mani, only with color, the design of the two tone varies!

Danger Zone: Manicures similar to Fergie's pointed "dagger" nail has been quite popular this season, though I'm not the biggest fan.

Crazy for Color: Reds and pinks are often popular choices for nails, but this year, crazy, bold colors are definitely on the nail scene. Mila Jovovich chose navy nails to accent her ensemble. Other popular polish colors include oranges, yellows, and teals.



Nearly Nude: What's my go-to? I am OBSESSED with OPI's Bubble Bath. I love shellac, and the Bubble Bath shellac mani couldn't get any better. It's neutral and goes with almost anything! Some may say boring, but I say perfect. And -- it's great for a bride on her wedding day!

I'm not the only one that likes the nude mani. Nicole Kidman rocked a similar one at the Cannes Film Festival. 


With pointy, bedazzled nails as popular choices for manicures, who knows what kind of crazy nail choices we'll see!

What are your favorite nail trends?


xoxo,
Zelle 


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Friday, July 26, 2013

Moving on Up

I'm moving on up!

94 Living Room Decorating Ideas from Southern Living
design inspiration

In just a few short weeks, I'll be moving to my brand new home in a brand new city to start a brand new job. Lots of brand new, I know. Though I'm anxious about what is ahead, I am also really excited to do something different -- and to decorate and design a new place.

I found the perfect place for me -- a garden apartment in a quaint town center/village atmosphere. I'll be surrounded by stores like Bevello and Uniquities, with a Starbucks and a PureBarre fitness studio right around the corner.

I am incredibly passionate about interior design. My dream job would be to travel around the country learning new design techniques and finding knick-knacks, designing houses here at home, and blogging about it. Yes please. I actually started my college career as an interior design major -- but for some unknown reason, decided it was not for me (why, oh why?)

Nonetheless, I had a great internship at the beginning of the summer with a local designer, Liz Carroll. She was incredible to work for, and I got a sneak peek into the design world, and of course, I fell in love. I would highly recommend her to anyone -- she is fabulous!

I find inspiration in so many things, which is wonderful and terrible all at the same time! I've found that I drift towards two different things. Very bright pinks and oranges or elegant neutrals. So -- what is it going to be for my new apartment? While all of these things can't be a reality, here are a few of my favorite design things.

Decor



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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Workin' 9 to 5


I've officially been hired for my first "big-girl" job for my new post-grad life! I'm very excited to begin working in advertising as a media coordinator. 
(I'm feeling very Mad Men)


Though I don't officially start until August -- and move to my office in September -- I have had a few days of shadowing and training. Part of what I love about it is the atmosphere of the office. It's a very laid back environment -- everyone has a great time, all the while producing incredible ads.

One lovely perk is that I can definitely wear my favorite pieces -- no black business suits for me! Though everyone looks professional, it is also more of a creative job, so I can wear bright colors, jeans, dresses -- whatever suits me that day.

stripes / blazer / pop of red


So what kinds of pieces will I be wearing to work?

Check them out.

Workin' 9 to 5

What do you wear to work?

xoxo,
Zelle 



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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

A Southern Style's First Giveaway!

It's "Giveaway Time" y'all! I'm very excited to announce A Southern Style's very FIRST giveaway.

I'm a huge fan of notebooks, planners, etc., and I absolutely LOVE MayBooks!

I'm ordering my own personalized May Book -- a 2014 planner edition, as I love the sleek design and the ability for it to travel everywhere!

The winner will receive a May Book similar to this one with their choice of interior design (planner, notebook, wedding diary, and more!)



There are several ways to enter!
1. Comment on this post
2. Retweet on twitter
3. Join the site
4. Do all 3 -- the more you do, the more chances you get!

The last day to enter is Friday, August 2nd! 

Happy Giveaway!


xoxo,
Zelle 
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Royal Extravaganza

Even if you're not interested in the royals, it has been pretty difficult to miss seeing or hearing coverage about Will, Kate, and the baby this week. I, for one, have loved every minute of it.

What is it about the Royal Family that is so interesting? I love that William and Kate are so relatable. Kate wears high-end fashion, but dresses in affordable looks as well. Will serves his country in the RAF. When together, they seem so happy, at ease, and in love. And now, they have a beautiful new son.

They were the picture of perfection today when showing their son to the world outside of St. Mary's Hospital. Kate was absolutely glowing, and William definitely seemed to be the epitome of a proud papa.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, depart St. Mary's Hospital with their newborn son on Tuesday, July 23, in London. The boy was born at 4:24 p.m. Monday, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

Catherine holds the baby outside the hospital for the public's first view.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning."

Prince William gets ready to depart St. Mary's Hospital.
photo credit: CNN International

Kate obviously knew this was an INCREDIBLE moment for England and even the rest of the world, so I'm sure she took that into account when getting ready for the big debut. But what I love most about her look is how simple and classy she looked -- and she delivered a baby just yesterday!

She wore a Jenny Packham polka-dotted cornflower blue dress with simple cap sleeves. The dress was designed exclusively for Kate -- and according to Vanity Fair and JP brand director Blair McColl, there are no plans for the dress to be made for public sale. Though I'm sure so many royal fans would love to have a dress just like Kate's, I love that the designer made it especially for her -- what a special memento for one of the most special moments in her life. 

It is also an incredible thing to see pictures of both Kate and Diana side-by-side. Both left the hospital wearing polka-dotted dresses -- and whether it was intentional or not, it seems as though Kate honored Princess Diana's memory by her wardrobe choice.


The interview between the new parents and the media (Will quipped that he's glad his son has more hair) was adorable, and it is so exciting to follow this young family's story!

No longer is it the #GreatKateWait -- now it's the #GreatNameWait!

Looking forward to hearing the name of this royal baby!

What do you think about the royal coverage, Kate and Will, and of course, the royal baby?
xoxo,
Zelle 



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Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Royal Baby Watch

The Royal Baby Watch is at its highest peak! With the royal baby expected any day now, everyone is anxiously awaiting his or her birth. But, let's not forget the mother-to-be!

Class. That's the best way to describe Kate Middleton. She exudes it in everything she does, and I absolutely love that. She is definitely one of my fashion icons because her looks are always so timeless. Each time she steps out -- whether it is for an official event or a late afternoon walk at home with her dog -- she looks flawless. 

Kate's pregnancy has not interrupted that. Despite early sickness, she has still managed to look great every time she is in the public eye. 

Here are a few of Princess Kate's best pregnancy looks!





Perfection. Don't deny it. We all want to be her.

xoxo.
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Keepin' Cool

Though there's sometimes nothing better than pulling on tall leather boots and wrapping up in a cashmere sweater, I absolutely love getting ready on summer days. I love the lightweight dresses, simple tanks, and slipping on sandals. Every. Single. Day.

It is so hot and humid in coastal Carolina some days that I rarely wear pants during the summer months. I did slip on a cute pair of fuchsia pants paired with a tank (and sweater) yesterday as I knew I would be spending the day in the ALS clinical offices for my sweet grandmother's doctors appointments, but that was definitely an exception.

Today, we spent the day apartment searching in preparation for my possible upcoming move for the new job, so nothing was more perfect than a lightweight Roxy dress. Roxy is not normally a go-to brand for me, but I happened to see this dress at T.J. Maxx and couldn't pass it up! It is so comfy, lightweight, and versatile, and it is great for a casual summer day. 

Unless I've had on my gym clothes, I've worn a some kind of dress almost every day this summer. I love my maxi dresses, especially for a date night with the boyfriend or a day out shopping. Those are definitely some of my favorite summer pieces! What's great about a maxi dress is the way you can dress it up or down. Flat sandals and stud earrings give off a casual vibe, but add wedges and some great jewelry, and you have a completely different look!

I'm a fan of Kristin Cavallari's casual summer look. This pairing was from back in 2011, but it could easily be worn in Summer 2013. I love the vibrant print of the maxi, paired with a simple white tee and long gold necklace. She looks effortlessly chic.

Kristin Cavallari Printed Maxi Skirt

What do you pull out of your closet on a hot summer day?
xoxo.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

E is for Emerald


"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty 
that 
enhances, 
our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

This is how Pantone describes emerald, the 2013 color of the year. It might be the middle of the year, but I am still thoroughly enjoying this color. 

I, for one, have always loved emeralds. I have a May birthday, which makes the emerald my birthstone. Thankfully, my parents love to gift jewelry, so I have my fair share of emeralds in my collection.

For some reason, I have always been drawn to the delightful color. It is elegant, regal, sophisticated. Perfect.

And so our these lovely emerald things. 

emerald

How do you incorporate the color of the year into your wardrobe or style?
xoxo.



emerald by brown-zelle featuring a cushion cut ring

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