Friday, November 29, 2013

Happy Black Friday!



I wouldn't classify myself as a Black Friday enthusiast, but I do like to take part in Black Friday shopping. One of the best parts to me, though, is getting to spend time with my mom. More often than not, it's just me and her that head out to do a little shopping, and we always have the best time.

Though mom and I like to peruse several of our favorite shopping centers and stores, there are a few online sales offering great deals! Express, Bloomingdales, J.Crew, and BCBG are all offering great sales online! If you don't want to venture out with the crowds, be sure to check them out.

Speaking of shopping, be sure to check out the SHOP tab above! You can now shop some of my favorite things from right here on A Southern Style. Plus, don't forget about the Etsy shop -- new additions will be added soon -- and what easy Christmas presents!

Hope you enjoyed your family and friends this Thanksgiving -- and ate yourself silly! I know I did.


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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Something to be Thankful For



Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I'll be away from the blogging world tomorrow to enjoy much needed time with my family, but today I thought I'd share a few things that I'm thankful for. It's so easy to complain, to get caught up in the negatives instead of focusing on the positives and blessings in life. I know I often complain, and then realize I have so much to be thankful for.

Thankful...
1. To be 22 with a college degree and a full-time job
2. For the most incredible and perfect family I could ever as for
3. For a wonderful boyfriend
4. For the very best friends (and a fun-filled weekend and week with one of them)
5. To have good health
6. To have two grandmothers that, despite illnesses that could break them down (ALS and Parkinson's), choose to persevere and look at the positives in life
7. For the Miss North Carolina Organization, which has provided me with scholarships, friends, and family
8. For the most adorable pup in the world
9. For a place (this blog) where I can share the things I love, for the connections I've made through blogging, and for the readers who always make me feel like it's worth it
10. For a warm place to put my head at night -- whether it's my apartment or my house
11. For a car that gets me too work and to my favorite places on the weekends (and that keeps me dry on messy rainy days)
12. For strangers I come across that exhibit acts of kindness
13. For a country that allows me to practice my beliefs without persecution
14. For food on my table each and every day
15. For a beautiful coastal city that I will always call home (and that is calling me home today)
16. For my faith

There are so, so may things to be thankful for, but it is healthy to make a list -- even if it isn't written. We are so caught up in monetary goods -- even on this blog, I love to share the things that I love. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with that, it's important to remember all of the blessings that we receive each and every day.

So, I hope you eat way too much on this Thanksgiving, answer the never-ending questions that always prevail at family gatherings, and look around at all of the things you have to be thankful for -- oh, and maybe enjoy a little shopping too.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!



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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Gift Guide -- For Her

Gift Guide -- For Her

The Golden Thread Monogram Necklace (as seen on the Today Show)
Kendra Scott Pyrite Earrings
J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest
Tory Burch Juliet Riding Boot
C. Wonder Monogram Jewelry Box
Bauble Bar Tortoise Necklace
Loren Hope Cuff
Michael Kors Upton Astor Tote (obsessed!)
Kate Spade Tortoise Studs


Gifts for your best friend, your girlfriend, your sister, your mom -- any woman in your life!
If those lovely ladies are anything like me, they would be obsessed with any one of these fun gifts!
Happy Shopping!
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Monday, November 25, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Latelys on Friday

5 Things I'm loving lately

1/
I found this gem during an impromptu trip to Target -- what a steal! I'm loving the leather detail on the arms.
Mossimo® Women's V-Neck Sweater w/ Faux Leather - Assorted Colors

2/
Who doesn't love glitter and Kate Spade?


3/
My best friends and I are having a Christmas/Secret Santa/Reunion girls weekend in Wilmington in a couple of weeks. I purchased my Secret Santa gift yesterday from Nordstrom -- but can't tell what it is just yet!
free printable secret santa gift tags


4/
I need these Trouve leggings. Clearly I'm loving the (faux) leather these days...


5/
Came across this B Brian Atwood Crossbody thanks to Rachel over at Pink Peonies
I'm obsessed with the color!



THE GOOD LIFE BLOG



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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Cozy in Aztec





aztec poncho: similar here or here / leggings: I'm loving these / top: Michael Kors / shoes: Steve Madden / clutch: similar / sunglasses: Burberry (similar) / bracelet: Cathryn Ann Designs / leather-faced earrings: Monkee's

I found this Aztec poncho during a trip to New York last winter -- and I've rarely worn it! I love the print of it, so I don't know why I've kept it hidden in my closet, plus it is incredibly cozy. I paired it with leggings and suede pumps -- though next time my Vince Camuto boots will be complimenting the look. A friend gave me a fab pair of earrings a couple of years ago -- gold chandelier earrings with leather facing from Monkee's of Wilmington, and I'm obsessed. And don't forget my Cathryn Ann Designs tassel bracelet; I love that it goes with anything.



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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Skirting the Issue

Skirting the Issue

Once the weather turns cooler, I'm so tempted to live in pants and leggings, but why am I skirting the skirt issue? These gorgeous skirts are perfect for transitioning from fall to winter.

1/ Anthropologie Scalloped Pencil Skirt -- Loving this new twist on a classic black skirt.
2/ Anthropologie Galilei Skirt -- The brocade print of this skirt is so fun and could be styled many ways!
3/ Loft Tulle Skirt -- I'm obsessed. How perfect would this be for a holiday party?
4/ J.Crew Leather & Tweed Pencil Skirt -- I am loving the look of leather and tweed together.
5/ Adrianna Papell Striped Sequin Skirt -- Sequins and stripes can do no wrong.
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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Gift Guide -- Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers

Kate Spade Bow Paper Clips
Dior Lip Glow
Dolce & Gabbana L'eau the One
Nordstrom Touch Tech Cashmere Gloves
Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brush Set
OPI You Don't Know Jacques
BaubleBar Pebble Cuff


It's the first installment of the Christmas Gift Guide -- with only a little more than a month until Christmas Day, it's certainly the time to be shopping for those special people!
I love Christmas shopping for my friends and family, but I love finding new ideas too!
Check back each week for the next month and you'll find various options for the Christmas Gift Guide!

I'm also linking up with Elise over at Cheers Y'all -- check out Our Favorite Things!
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Monday, November 18, 2013

Sweater Weather


 




the details:
sweater: White House Black Market (similar here), top: Target (old), leggings: Nordstrom, boots: Frye, bag: Nine West (old, but I'm loving this Marc Jacobs), watch: Rolex, earrings: Belk

Hope you had a great weekend! I know I did -- but it flew by way too quickly. I spent much needed time with the family -- and it's hard to tell but my super long hair is now missing...I was due for a haircut, but I'm so missing my long hair!
Temperatures are unseasonably warm for November (even after the random snow last week!) but nothing beats pulling on leggings and an oversized sweater on a chilly day to feel comfy and chic.




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Friday, November 15, 2013

Fall Loving Fridays

It's Friday -- here's what I'm loving.

This fun tulle skirt from the Loft -- how perfect would these be for Christmas parties?




For those of you who aren't subscribed to theSkimm, you should. I really like staying up to date with what is happening around the country (and world), and theSkimm gives you brief but informative (and sometimes humorous) summary of what is going on each day.



This gorgeous ornament display that I came across thanks to my sweet blogging friend Elise's pinterest (the face behind Cheers Y'all!)
Vintage Ornament Display..
(can you tell I'm ready for Christmas? I may or may not be listening to Christmas Pandora already...)


These tassels I ordered for SHOPaSouthernStyle -- can't wait for these to come in!
Moroccan crown tassels , mini art silk , multipack of 5



Last, but most certainly not least, I am heading home for the weekend. I can't wait to spend my couple of days in Wilmington (heaven on earth!)
NC Necklace with Heart over Wilmington in either finish
you can find this necklace here


THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Pretty Sweet

About two months ago, I came across Pretty Sweet Life, a fun blog filled with style, recipes and more. Her blog is so cute and fun -- and I was an instant fan. I quickly realized that Liz (the face behind PSL) also had a print shop. Being the print-loving gal that I am, I decided to check it out and found an adorable print of her Yorkie. That got me thinking that I sure would love a print of Sophie (those who follow regularly know how much I adore my little Maltipoo). 

I decided to reach out to Liz to see if she did any custom work -- and she was more than helpful and agreed to create a print of my sweet little pup. How fun and fabulous are these? They look so much like Soph -- and I can't wait to frame them for both my home desk and my office!


Liz is so detail oriented -- she made the bow in Sophie's hair match the colors of the blog. She also gave me 4 neat options -- and I'm partial to the blue and polka dot backgrounds. 

Be sure to head on over to Pretty Sweet Life -- both the blog and the print shop. 
I can promise you won't be disappointed.

Liz:


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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Colder Weather

It snowed last night! In North Carolina...in November...and in the south, we get a little excited about that. Granted, it didn't stick, but nonetheless, it was fun to see a few snow flurries last night.

Though there's no snow on the ground, it is certainly a lot colder here! With temperatures in the 20s for the work commute, you certainly need to bundle up. Here are a few winter essentials.

Colder Weather


Stay warm!


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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Fall Beauty Basics

The older I've gotten, the more I've realized how important it is to have a good beauty regiment. I have been blessed with resilient skin, so I never worried about breakouts growing up. Because of this, I didn't take as good of care of my skin as I should have (ironic, I know). Nowadays, I never go in the sun without a strong SPF (thanks, mama!), and I've realized how important a good cleanser and moisturizer system is. 
Here are a few beauty essentials (makeup included!) that I'm loving this fall.


I don't use Estee Lauder DayWear every single day, but it's certainly a good one to use. I will often use it if I have just washed my face and it's going to be a little while before I start my makeup routine. It makes for a very smooth surface -- no greasy feelings.


Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer
I absolutely love Smashbox Photo Finish. It is a perfect primer before applying makeup -- and leaves an ultra-smooth finish.

OR 
Even Better Makeup SPF 15

It's a toss up between these two. I used Clinique Even Better foundation on a recommendation, and I really liked it. When I went back to get more, the makeup artist asked if I wanted to try DiorSkin Forever. And in the store, the Dior was a clear winner! A few days later, I switched back to the Clinique to use what was left -- and realized I liked it almost as much. The Clinique is certainly a cheaper option -- but it is unclear as to which is my favorite!

Heading out for the day and want your makeup to stay in tact?
 Urban Decay's All-Nighter makeup setting spray is a major part of my makeup routine. 
Before I do my lips, I most always spray this setting spray on -- and it definitely helps makeup stay all day!

Beauty Sleep Concentrate
My mom gave me Neal's Yard Beauty Sleep Concentrate, and I love it. It is designed to help give you a good night's rest (think soothing aromatherapy), all the while helping your skin recover from a long day while you sleep. I would definitely recommend this product.


Want to know more about my favorite beauty essentials and secrets? Ask to find out more!
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Monday, November 11, 2013

Asheville Adventures

If you read Friday's post, you know that my sweet bf and I headed to Asheville for the weekend to celebrate three years together (on Tuesday). I have been wanting to go to Biltmore for forever, so SW planned a little mini-trip for the weekend -- and we had such a great time!

This house is so incredibly gorgeous! I can only imagine what it was like to grow up in a home as grand as this one.


The house was so gorgeously decorated for Christmas, but unfortunately we could not take any pictures inside. There were 64 Christmas trees decorating the home -- each one as exquisite as the next. And many of you know how much I love Christmas time!

Saturday night -- after leaving the property for a bit -- we headed back to the estate to Antler Hill Village. We both really enjoyed visiting Biltmore Legacies -- which gave even more info about the Biltmore family. One thing I love is how involved the Vanderbilts were in their community.
Also, how incredible is this Louis Vuitton trunk. I'll take that, please.


Sunday morning, we started our day with breakfast at the Sunny Pointe Cafe in West Asheville. I had read in several places that this was a breakfast that was worth the wait -- and we definitely agreed. 


Downtown Asheville with my little Soph
We strolled around downtown with Sophie for a couple of hours. I found a neat little bead shop by accident -- SW mentioned that there might be one, and right when he said it, there was one on our right. So of course we checked it out. We also stopped by Mast General Store, a few other local shops, and finished it up with ice cream from the Marble Slab Creamery.



We were in the car when I mentioned that I wouldn't mind going up the Blue Ridge Parkway -- so SW hopped on it and we ventured up to Chimney Rock. Neither of us had been, and it was definitely a fun experience. How gorgeous is this view?





It was definitely breezy at the top -- and the hike up the stairs was definitely a workout (or maybe I'm out of shape?). I wore Frye boots -- and though I love them, they were not the best for this outing. So many were in tennis shoes or hiking boots, which I thought was silly if they were just going to the lookout at Chimney Rock. I was wrong. The bottoms of my boots were so slippery -- thank goodness for SW helping me around the rocky surface.


Needless to say, we had a great weekend in Asheville. We would both love to go back, now that we've been and know what to expect. 
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Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday's Fall Five

What I'm loving on this gorgeous fall Friday!


1//
This gorgeous pashmina my grandmother brought me from Russia. 
She is the sweetest and I absolutely love the coloring of the scarf!
And my new Soaked in Seattle manicure.


2//
My new Cathryn Ann Designs tassel bracelet, paired with a peacock blue coat and leather bag.


3//
The packaging for my Etsy jewels! (you can place your order here)


4//
Stephen and I are heading to Biltmore this weekend -- I am so excited!


5//
Next Tuesday, SW and I will have spent 3 years together. 
So thankful for such a wonderful and supportive boyfriend. 


Have a great one!



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