Weekend Fun + One Month

I had such an incredible weekend with my mom, Nonny (grandmother), and sister! Though I love going home, it was so much fun having them up here at my home away from home. We ate way too much food (so good), explored a few new places, and as my sister says, shopped until we dropped.

Amazingly enough, it has officially been one month since I moved to my new little home. I was hoping that by now I would have a full post of pictures to show you, but I've been slightly OCD about this apartment -- and it's not yet finished . . . I'm still looking for the perfect desk (which I think I've found but have to order) and a bedside table (which my mom has purchased, but it's at home). Once I have these, I'll be good to go -- until I find something else I "need." 

I don't want to post photos of my entire apartment until everything is semi-perfect, but . . . for now, check out these fun pieces and some of my favorite details of my apartment!

      I found this fun piece at a store called Black Lion. I've driven past it at least 15 times since I've been up here but never knew what it was! I was so glad I stopped in -- a large store filled with tons of vendors!

How adorable is this seahorse? I was in love from the moment I saw it!

My mom and grandmother came across the pair of these and they definitely are a perfect fit! I am currently using one of my side tables as a bedside table until I get my real one here, so the other lamp doesn't have a home, but I can't wait to see them together! (Also, see that little starfish? My parents brought that little hand-carved jewel back to me from Jamaica!)

You can't see the whole wall just yet, but it was a hard one to decorate! It is between two windows with another piece of wall nearby . . . and I just couldn't find the right piece to fit here. But I found this today, and I fell in love!

Fun note: Aside from the fish, the other three items are from Home Goods! I am obsessed.

I can't wait to update with the finished product -- but these will do for now!

Five on Friday!

So happy it's Friday! Once 5:00 rolls around, I will be good to go! What are 5 things I'm loving on this beautiful fall Friday?

:: ONE :: 

This gorgeous fall weather and the fact that it is almost October!

via

:: TWO :: 

My sweet mom, grandmother, and sister are coming today! I am so excited for them to visit -- and my little sister has never seen my new apartment, so I'm excited for that too!

:: THREE :: 

Finishing the decorating process! My bedroom is pretty much just how I want it, but the living room is still a work in progress. We're going to work on that tomorrow. Here's a little inspiration.

:: FOUR ::

I really want to try Essie's Smokin' Hot nail color. My friends all pick on me because I choose boring neutrals most of the time (cue Bubble Bath), but I am loving this for a lovely fall mani.

:: FIVE ::

Last but certainly not least, this giveaway that I'm partnering on with Unique Chic! Be sure to check it out here and enter to win this fun necklace as well as check out their other looks!

Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Zelle

Unique Chic Giveaway {CLOSED}

I'm very excited to announce that I have partnered with my friend Lindsay from Unique Chic for an awesome giveaway! I absolutely love Unique Chic and all of the fun looks and accessories they have to offer.

For the next week, you can enter to win this fabulous necklace. If you love this one, you'll be sure to love the many other statement necklaces Unique Chic has available! Be sure to check out their online site, twitter, and Facebook page -- as well as A Southern Style's Facebook and twitter! By doing so, you are eligible to enter our giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced on Friday, October 4th! So be sure to enter today!

xoxo,

Zelle
+
Lindsay

Bauble Bar

I have an obsession. And it's pretty bad. I've looked at Bauble Bar's online store, but never like this. And now it is a major problem. I could have one of everything and be completely content. This season, I'm really loving statement necklaces and bracelets. I have my go-to necklace favorites that I wear often (I'm a fan of my monogram necklace from Etsy), but I am really wanting to expand my collection of statement necklaces.

There are so many incredible pieces to choose from! Right now, I'm really loving neutrals and pastels, but neon is so much fun too! I think the above pieces would fit into my wardrobe nicely because they are all so versatile.

Though I really want all of these, I would choose the two tortoise pieces first -- but not to wear together. I love each of these for different reasons, but the variety here is perfect to spice up any look.

:: visit the Bauble Bar's online store, or click below to shop my favorite pieces ::

Shop Fall

If you're like me, you might just love J.Crew all year round. But there is something about their fall collection that I adore! I love that their pieces are so versatile -- it's easy to mix and match. J.Crew isn't always budget friendly, but lucky for us, they are finishing up their Fall Sale! 

Though I would take just about anything, these are a few of my favorite fall pieces. I'm especially loving the statement necklace and the beaded-cuff blouse -- and who doesn't love a neon pink coat? Add in the printed pumps, the sweater with leather detail, and the chino tuxedo stripe pants, and you've got a few great pieces to add to your fall collection. But don't stop here . . . there are so many great finds online and in store!

When you visit jcrew.com, enter the promo code SHOPFALL, and receive 25% off of your purchase! But make sure get your shopping in today, because the sale ends tonight at 11:59pm!

:: shop my favorites ::

xoxo,

Zelle

On the Mind: Letting Go, Being Free

If someone had told me a year ago that I would move to a completely new city where I only really knew one person (my boyfriend, who just so happens to be out of the state training) to start a new job and live completely alone, I would have said, "You're joking." 

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a risk-taker. Don't get me wrong; I love a good challenge or healthy competition. But I'm not a huge fan of change. So when I decided to move to a new city to live alone, I surprised even myself. I doubted my decision up to the very day I moved in (and even after). I contemplated telling my dad and boyfriend, "Don't move the couches. Put them back in the trailer, and let's drive back home." But I didn't.

My first night alone, to say I felt scared and lonely is an understatement. I had stayed at home or in my apartment alone before, but never had I lived completely by myself. As in -- no one was coming back in a couple of days. It's just me. And while I certainly miss living at home or with my best friends, it's almost liberating to know that I have overcome something I was scared of. 

My mom made the comment the week I moved in that I wasn't afraid of living alone, but more so of being alone. Those are certainly two entirely different things. My whole life, I've surrounded myself with people: I've always made sure I always had something to do with someone (even if that involved a lazy night in). She also told me that if I had never taken this chance, I would have regretted it. She's right -- mothers do know best, you know.

So what has this taught me? I can do this. I can tackle a new city. I can persevere even when I think I can't. 

Yesterday, a friend shared a blog post she had found about being in your twenties and the stereotypes and expectations that exist and/or limit you based on your age. I realized then and there that I had put the years of my life into little compartments and tried to uphold those standards. Yet at the same time, even around graduation a few months ago, I couldn't picture my life and what it would be like.

Even still, it's hard to believe that this is my new life. Here I am, a twenty-something, trying something completely new. But why is that so hard to believe? This is the time to do something new, to adventure, to explore, to make mistakes. 

I miss home everyday, yet at the same time, I am so proud of myself for venturing out into the unknown and trying a new adventure -- my adventure. I am in charge of my own life -- and I can take the necessary steps to make myself happy.

Here's a challenge: Don't play it safe. Don't stay sedentary. Don't do what you think others want you to do. Accept a new challenge, a new adventure, a new calling. It doesn't have to be as drastic as a new place or a new job. But don't limit yourself based on what you are fearful of.

"Sometimes what you're most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free." It'll be worth it. Promise.

xoxo,

Zelle

Who, What, Wear -- EMMYS Edition

I was on the road for the majority of the Emmys, but I made sure to record E!'s Live from the Red Carpet, and of course I scoured my favorite sites to find my favorite looks. In all honesty, some of this year's looks were major misses for me. Carrie Underwood rarely disappoints me, but her look underwhelmed me last night (sorry, Carrie!). Pastels and neutrals seemed to run the red carpet, but there were some bold looks I loved as well.

Kerry Washington :: Marchesa :: It is rare I see Kerry in something that I don't care for. Though some found it a little on the bridal side, I thought she was stunning in the pale Marchesa ensemble. It had just enough flair to keep it red-carpet appropriate versus ready for the wedding aisle. 

Allison Williams :: Ralph Lauren :: Simplicity at its finest. Allison Williams looks stunning in this gown. I love how the dress does all the work: no major jewelry, elaborate hair, or the like. It looks fresh. 

Clare Danes :: Armani Prive :: I loved the simple hair combined with this pastel gown with a bold lip. I thought the cut on this dress was stunning, especially on Clare Danes' figure.

Julie Bowen :: Halston Heritage :: There is a lot of fabric on this dress, but Julie Bowen makes it work. It is so feminine, and the ruffles combined with the pastel create an almost Southern, whimsical look.

Anna Farris :: Monique Lhullier :: The light and flowy look of this dress is perfect, especially on Anna. I am also in love with that color. Again, another simple look that is elegant and fresh.

Taylor Schilling :: Thakoon :: I'm clearly a fan of white and of simplicity, so this look was a definite hit for me. Paired with gold accessories (I'm loving those shoes!), Taylor pulls off an effortless look.

And the Winner Is :: Kerry Washington. Is she the Emmy style winner for me? Probably so. But it might just be that I love her just a little too much.

xoxo,

Zelle

Weekend Finds

After a long week, I had a much needed break at home spending time with my family, which I absolutely loved! We had a great engagement party for my cousin who is getting married next year, and you can find my style details here.

All I've been wanting to do lately is shop (imagine that) so I also picked up (and splurged on) a few things, too -- I feel like my wants are endless! Check out the weekend's finds.


iPhone 5s -- I was one of those people that got the new iPhone on Friday (I know, I know). But I'm definitely glad I did! I still had the 4s, so I was ready for an upgrade -- and especially a new phone camera!

Dior Forever Makeup -- I went to the mall to do a little shopping Saturday morning, and while there, I realized I was in need of new makeup. I'm not a one-brand makeup girl, but I headed over to Clinique because that is the foundation brand that I used the last time. I was all set up to pay when the makeup artist said she wanted to try a makeup on me (enter Dior). So, next thing you know, I'm leaving with a new kind of makeup -- and I'm definitely hooked! I would recommend it any day!

Hunter Boots -- my mom graciously bought me a pair of Hunter boots this weekend! I love Monkee's (an adorable boutique that you need to check out if you haven't already), and I have been wanting some Hunters. I chose black because they are so versatile! But visiting Monkee's did not help my "wants list."

Pink Smoothie -- I desperately needed manicure help, so I was off to the salon to fix the problem. I chose "pink smoothie," which is a great choice if you want a neutral mani with a hint of color. I'm normally an OPI Bubble Bath fan, but I would definitely do this polish again.

I'm definitely having a case of the Monday blues because my weekend was so great! But it's off to a busy work week -- and then my sweet mom and grandmother are coming to stay this coming weekend!

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

Zelle

Style Details

Engagement Party Edition

I'm excited to share my first look of the day! This is new for me, but I'm excited to share. I had a great time at my cousin's engagement party last night -- so check out the very first edition of "Style Details." 

the details ::

Esley Collection Dress (Julie's Boutique) :: Steve Madden Wedges (similar) :: J.Crew Crystal Dot Bracelet :: Chain Link Bracelet (Italy) :: Tory Burch Clutch (similar)

Fall Wishlist

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5

Facebook Official

We're Facebook official! Be sure to visit the A Southern Style page to stay up to date on new posts, looks of the day (coming soon!), and a blog makeover!

xoxo,

Zelle

Meet the Beau

Well...it's official. My fall wish list keeps growing and growing. If I keep this up, we are going to have some serious problems. What's being added to the list? Kate Spade's 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag. I can hear many people saying now that I don't need another bag, but isn't this one fabulous?

If you want to add the Beau Bag to your collection, be prepared to splurge. It rings in at $498. And if you want the leopard/neutral combo, you might want to add a few dollars to that -- $500 to be exact. At $998, this bag doesn't disappoint. It is handcrafted with Italian cow hide. But don't thing the cheaper version is going to leave you hanging. This bag is also handcrafted to perfection. Don't forget about the clutch either! Available in the snapdragon/maraschino combo, it will definitely add pizzazz to any look.

Though I certainly wouldn't turn any of these down, I would opt for the macchiato/black combo.

Which one belongs in your closet?

:: click to shop now :: 

xoxo,

Zelle

Turning Seasons

Yesterday was the first cool day of fall. We had some comfortable temperatures at the beginning of September, but yesterday morning was chilly and it never really warmed up. Don't get me wrong, it was still in the 70s, but that's cooling down in my book. I always find the first weeks of fall difficult to style. Some September days are chilly while October brings a few warm ones. So...what to wear? I think this outfit is perfect for transitioning into fall. A tee and jeans keep it simple -- and when the temperature drops, add this relaxed blazer (which I'm obsessed with, by the way) to stay warm! These opened-toe slingbacks are perfect for fall. Plus, check out the new 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collections! The above handbag is available right from Target. I also loved the pop of color offered by these Kate Spade earrings (y'all know I'm in love with the gemstone earrings). Once you get your key pieces, dressing for fall gets easier and easier.

xoxo,

Zelle

:: shop this look now ::

Fab Finds

Last night, I ventured over to Home Goods to explore a little bit. It really was unintentional, but I ended up there, picked up a new water bowl for Sophie at the office and a little picture frame for the apartment and intended to head on my way. That's not what happened. 

The reason? I saw these plates...

During the summer, my grandmother and I would venture around town and just do a little shopping. We were at T.J.Maxx one day when I saw these gorgeous peacock plates, but I didn't get them. A few days later, I thought I had to have them, but much my dismay, they were already gone. So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw these beauties staring at me . . . they aren't the exact same but I still thought they were adorable and something fun to add to my apartment. 

But, the fun didn't stop there. I'm pretty sure I could have filled my car up with things I loved in the store last night, but I settled with this. This picture is so different and fun, a great addition to a twenty-something's apartment. It is bright and colorful and will work great with what I already have. Up close, the picture looks as though it's been made with tiny little magazine clippings. I loved that it was different, so home with me it went.

I still don't have a place for this yet -- I'm slightly OCD about my decorating and want to know exactly what I'm doing before I hang it. But hopefully within the next few weeks I'll have my entire apartment finished (for now). I have some great ideas up my sleeve -- and Home Goods will certainly be helping me out with that!

Trend Alert :: Sensational Stripes

Winter, spring, summer, fall -- no matter the season, I love stripes. I was perusing pinterest as usual (not sure why Google thinks pinterest isn't a word, because it most certainly is in my everyday vocabulary) and came across this striped sweater that I've seen over and over this past year. Each time I see it, I love it a little bit more (you can see it here). Though I've yet to find said sweater for sale, I did find some striped looks I'm loving for fall. Stripes often have a nautical feel, but don't stray from them for fall -- check out these looks or find some of your own. I might just have to break out the stripes tomorrow.

shop now ::

Here's to hoping your Monday hasn't been too manic!

xoxo,

Zelle