Monday, March 31, 2014

Pop of Color







top: BB Dakota / jeans: similar / bag: H&M / wedges: Pura Lopez (similar here and here) / bracelets: Loren Hope and Alex and Ani / necklace: c/o Cardinal Gift

Though it ended up raining Saturday, there was a lull in the storm right around sunset, which left a gorgeous evening. SW and I took that time after dinner to get outside for a bit, which was definitely the calm before a terrible storm. This black and white BB Dakota top is perfect for spring, and I love the simplicity of it paired with the open back. A black and white look can move easily into spring by adding a pop of color, which can be done by adding a colorful accessory.

I'm also loving my monogram necklace thanks to Cardinal Gift. Stop by their shop, and A Southern Style readers can receive 20% off their order by entering in the code SOUTHERNSTYLE!
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Friday, March 28, 2014

It's (5 on) Friday!

Friday is here again! This weekend will not be spent driving all over the place. As much as I would love another weekend at home, the next few weekends are going to be insanely busy, so SW and I are going to have some R&R up here.

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My first thoughts for the weekend were: Farmer's Market, blog photos, spending time outside. Well...Mother Nature has other plans and it's supposed to rain Saturday. While that's disappointing, there is nothing wrong with a Saturday spent relaxing and cozied-up inside.
This picture holds so much. To me it says love, peace, excitement and adventure!
via

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You might have seen this fab tortoise-shell monogrammed necklace on my Insta. I absolutely love Cardinal Gift, and they have so many great personalized gifts to choose from. I'll be styling this necklace next week, but for now, you should head over to Cardinal Gift. Enter the code SOUTHERNSTYLE and you will receive 20% off your order!
Tortoise monogram necklace

3//
Can we talk about these shoes for a minute? I saw these Sam Edelman heels at a boutique last night and I am in love. I need these in my life!

4//
Lately, I've been sharing more recipes here, which is kind of funny because I don't think of myself as a wonderful cook, but the things I've found are so easy. I've also realized that the older I get, the much more sentimental I am. And as wonderful as blogs and pinterest are for recipes, nothing beats a handwritten recipe card. I ordered these beautiful Rifle Paper Co. recipe cards yesterday -- I can't wait to give a few of them to my grandparents and other members of my family so I can have handwritten recipe cards from each of them.
Blue Floral Recipe Cards

5//
I also found this fab BB Dakota top from Lavendar Boutique and I can't wait to wear it. I need a tan first -- but I'm excited nonetheless. I love the fun back!


It's Friday, so of course I'm having out with the lovely ladies.
 DarciAprilChristina, and Natasha!
THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

Have a great weekend!
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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Steals + Deals

Splurge or Save
Stripes and chambray are obviously two trends I'm loving at the moment. The chambray top that I wore in yesterday's post is from Old Navy -- for only $15.00. Originally, I had planned on purchasing the J.Crew chambray, but I happened across the one from Old Navy and decided that it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, so I ordered it. My thought was that for only $15, if I absolutely hated it, it would be alright. That was not the case, however. It is definitely something worth saving on! For only $15, it is certainly a steal!

I've also received many compliments on the striped flats I picked up from Gap on my trip to Charleston. These are absolutely perfect for spring, and each time I've worn them, I've been asked where I purchased them. Nordstrom offers a similar striped flat as well, for $495. I think it's safe to say which one I'm glad I chose!

Stop by The Happy Flammily for more Steals + Deals!
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Showers & Soirees: The Bridal Shower

Welcome to the first of the series Showers & Soirees. Planning a party or event can be difficult, especially if you are doing it in  honor of someone else. Despite the fact that I absolutely love planning, it can still be hard to make sure you have everything in line for the party to go off without a hitch. Most recently, I've been planning a bridal shower for my cousin who is getting married this summer. I'm excited to be hosting this shower alongside my mom and grandmother, and we are hoping that the day will be one she can always remember.

1. Theme
Themed bridal showers can certainly be a lot of fun. I discussed with the bride what kind of shower she would like, throwing out a few suggestions. We decided on a kitchen bridal shower, which I was excited about, as I had a few fun ideas that I had been dying to use.

2. Venue
It's important to consider the venue when planning a shower. This is the second shower I am hosting, but they are completely different. When my best friend was married last year, we threw her a lingerie shower, so the venue was at my house. This gave a more intimate setting where she could laugh and have a good time with her closest friends. For this shower, however, it is a much crowd, so we chose the gorgeous clubhouse of our favorite golf course. The clubhouse has many rooms to offer, so we chose a room that is light and airy, and where there will be plenty of room for each guest.

3. Invitations
I chose an invitation designer on Etsy. There were so many invites that I loved, but I chose this designer and Etsy because I wanted recipe cards to go along with the shower invities. Each guest received a recipe card along with her invite, which she will be bringing to the shower with her favorite recipe to share with the bride. I love this idea because the bride will have a token of each guest, along with a great start to a recipe collection. Mail out the invitations 3-4 weeks in advance to give guests plenty of time to plan but not so early that they will forget.

4. Menu
The menu will depend on the time of day in which you are hosting the shower. We chose a Saturday brunch, so items on the menu will include quiche, potatoes, fresh fruit, pastries, and more, along with fun cake pops as a little dessert. For another shower, I made this fun cupcake cake shaped like a wedding gown.

5. Decor
While it's not necessary to decorate for a shower, it's certainly fun to add in little details that go along with the theme. Your napkins could coordinate with your invitation or theme, or you can add little details like cute straws from Paper Source or Etsy or create pretty flower arrangements as centerpieces for your tables.

Planning a shower can be lots of fun! I know I've filled my Rifle Paper Company notebook full of little ideas - many of which have been implemented! Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Though most of the ideas were my own, I did ask the bride for her input on a few things, and for the surprises, I asked her mom. Think of little details that will make the shower memorable to both the guests and the bride. Party planning is definitely something that can be time-consuming but also incredibly fun -- get creative and enjoy the process!

Check back in April for all of the tiny details of the kitchen bridal shower! Can't wait to share.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Chambray + Stripes




top: Old Navy / skirt: Old Navy / shoes: Tory Burch (similar) / bag: Kate Spade (similar) / sunglasses: Ray Ban / bracelets: Loren Hope and Alex & Ani / watch: Rolex

I cut my hair this weekend! Due to the windy weather we had in Wilmington this weekend, it's hard to see how much I actually cut off. I didn't go quite as short as planned, but it was still somewhere around 4 inches. My stylist/friend was very helpful in changing up my look and added in some great highlights to give my hair more depth as well. If you're in the Wilmington area and looking for a great stylist, be sure to check out Robin at Strandz Salon!

I'm also really loving this Chambray top from Old Navy -- if you haven't checked it out, you definitely should! It fits great, and is perfect with a pair of pants or paired with a skirt, like this jersey pencil skirt. I'm looking forward to this top being a staple in my wardrobe.

Happy Tuesday!
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Monday, March 24, 2014

God's Not Dead

Deuteronomy 31:8...More at http://beliefpics.christianpost.com/

When I first created this blog, it was meant to share my style choices, my favorite beauty secrets, the occasional recipe -- that kind of thing. I didn't really want it to become a blog where I was constantly sharing my thoughts and opinions about life, not because there's anything wrong with that, but because I don't find myself particularly funny or feel that I have this great thing that I need to share. It was more so to be a place where I shared the things I loved, style suggestions, and the like, but this has been on my heart.

I was a little hesitant to share this, but this past weekend, I went with my parents to see God's Not Dead. It is about a college student who is forced to stand up to his atheist philosophy professor when asked to write on paper that God is Dead. The student, a devout Christian, challenges his professor because he can't and won't betray his faith. He is given 3 20-minute segments to explain how and why God does in fact exist, and must persuade his classmates in order to pass the class.

There are many other side-stories that all wrap up in to one, but it would take a lot of paragraphs to explain it all. But there was one very poignant moment at the very end of the student's lectures in which he asks the professor, "Why do you hate God?" The professor is baffled, but then goes on to say that he hates God because he took everything away from him -- his mother lost a battle to cancer when he was only 12. The student responds to this statement with: How can you hate something you don't believe in?

I've grown up my whole life in a Christian home. We went to church on Sundays, I went to youth groups and bible schools, and I continue to read the Bible and practice my faith. But I'm also embarrassed to admit that my faith is not as strong as it should be. As I've mentioned briefly before that my grandmother has ALS, a disease that traps the victim in his or her own body. As much as it hurts to say it, it is virtually a death sentence. My grandmother and I are incredibly close, and while 2.5 years into the disease she is still persevering, it is hard to sit back and watch the disease take its course. Which is why I often ask, "Why, God?" 

You see, my grandmother has been a woman of incredible faith, and even still she studies the Bible, asks her preacher questions about things she's interested in knowing more about, and does not blame God for the disease. Yet I struggle with that, much like the professor in God's Not Dead. Though I know that we have free will, and that we are free to make choices in our lives, it is often times hard for me to understand why diseases like ALS or cancer overcome some who have the strongest of faiths. My other grandmother has Parkinson's Disease, so every where I turn, a neuron disease is affecting someone I love. She, too, is dedicated to her faith, and yet I struggle as to why these things happen.

There have been several verses that remind me that I am but nothing and that I need to put my faith in the Lord, especially in my times of trouble. So often, we quote Philippians 4:13, but as of late, I find Philippians 4:10-13 to be most appropriate: I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Another verse I find appropriate is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

I've realized that my going to see that movie was not coincidence. It challenged my faith and reminded me that I instead of being angry in times of trouble, I need to instead pray.

This has weighed heavy on my heart to share since Saturday evening when I left the theater -- so hopefully this will affect someone the way it affected me.

I will leave you with this last verse: He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. -- Psalm 91:4
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Friday, March 21, 2014

Spring on Friday

Spring is finally here -- and I could not be more thankful! Today is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm thankful to be headed to my beautiful hometown for what will hopefully be a warm weekend!

1//
How gorgeous are these flowers? Once spring arrives, I want flowers everywhere.
Divine Dahlias

2//
I came across this cake on pinterest, and I don't think I've seen one more adorable! It looks like an ombre tutu. Perfect for a girly birthday party or bridal shower!
cake

3//
Spring is the perfect time for pink lips and a gorgeous BaubleBar necklace. This one was gifted to me by one of my best friends. Here's a similar one.
Girly

4//
I love this Southern Hospitality print -- check out a few great reasons to be Southern.
Southern Hospitality  #OurSouth

5//
This is spring and summer inspiration at it's finest -- I am loving the sophisticated and chic look. Definitely channels Jackie O.
pink + orange

Tomorrow's the day for short hair -- stay tuned for my new look!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to stop by the Friday Five with these ladies!

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Colored for Spring + Announcement

Happy Spring! With the chilly weather that has been plaguing us these past few days, it doesn't seem too much like spring, but warmer temperatures are in the air! This spring, I'm excited for colors both bright and pastel -- and today is the perfect time to implement them into your wardrobe. Here are a few colorful favorites I have my eye on.

In other news, A Southern Style officially has its own domain! You can now find it at www.asouthernstyleblog.com. (And thanks to Elise over at Cheers, Y'all for the help!) I'm excited for this step as well as some other changes that are underway -- stay tuned for a new design, new partnerships, and more! It's a new season for this blog, too, and I can't wait to see what's in store!
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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Short Hair, Don't Care

Medium hair length with long layers.// somebody please give me this hair color
The time has come -- my hair needs a face lift. I've been growing it out for what seems like forever, with "good cuts" in between (aka cutting a good one or two inches off each time). I have longed for gorgeous flowy hair, but I've realized that the only way I'm going to achieve that is with hair extensions, and it's nice to give my hair a break from those and keep it all natural for a while. Don't worry, I know those extensions will be calling my name again soon.
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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Royal Treasures

Charleston Finds

Shopping gets me every time -- especially on King Street. These days, I tend to do a lot of shopping online or just pick up a few things here and there, so Saturday was the first time in a long time that I shopped all day. Normally, I'll grab one or two things and call it a day, but Saturday, I decided to enjoy myself -- though I definitely restrained myself from buying a 5th pair of Kate Spade studs or a second Alex & Ani bracelet. Charleston's King Street has great shopping -- from chain stores like H&M and Forever 21 to the luxury stores of Louis Vuitton to cute boutiques like Haute Couture -- there is something for everyone. These items were a few of my favorites from the weekend, though I picked up a few other items as well, and certainly added to my wish list.

one / two / three / four / five / six

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Charleston Charmed

Our girls' weekend to Charleston was nothing short of a success. We had such a great time and though it was nice to get back home to regroup for a new week, we definitely could have used another day or two. It was great that our friend Katie lives there because she had everything all planned out -- it was a very easy-going mini-vacay, and she knew the great places to try.


Brunch on Saturday at Bay Street Biergarten. I ordered the French Toast, but you should definitely get the Chicken & Waffle Sammy. I had never tried Chicken and Waffles, but that was perfection. Mimosas are a necessity there as well.

BSB French Toast

Alex & Ani Starfish Bangle -- I want to get the feather bangle next!

Loved these wedges at Haute Hanger

Hillary shopping at Haute Hanger

Peach Cocktail at Jim and Nick's BBQ

Monogrammed Bag and Tassel Love

Obsessed with the displays at Kate Spade

I can never get enough of the Kate Spade studs

Dinner at Virginia's on King -- I highly recommend it!

Gals at dinner

The Farmer's Plate -- choice of 4 vegetables
Mac and Cheese, Broccoli, Grits, and Lima Beans

Drinks at Closed for Business


Breakfast at Sweetwater Cafe -- a perfect diner breakfast

Beautiful King Street

Some of my shopping treasures

The Itinerary:
Brunch at Bay Street Biergarten
Shopping on King Street
Drinks at Jim and Nick's BBQ
Shopping on King Street
Prepping for Night Out
Dinner at Virginia's on King
Closed for Business
The Cocktail Club
Midtown
Breakfast at Sweetwater Cafe

We joked that this was our Spring Break since this is our first year out of college -- it was short-lived, but we definitely had a great time. Charleston was good to us, and I can't wait to be back.
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Friday, March 14, 2014

Cheers to Charleston

Is it just me, or has this week gone my crazy fast? I don't want to wish the time away, but I am beyond excited for the weekend, as I'm headed to Charleston for a girls' weekend with my best friends!

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The last time we were all in Charleston. We celebrated two of my friends' birthdays with a Hootie and the Blowfish concert and to say we had fun would be an understatement.

2//
A similar group of us went to Charleston together our junior year. We packed my Yukon full with 7 girls plus all of our bags. It looked something like this -- and that wasn't even all of them.

3//
The spring Longchamp Le Pliage Collection is helping me pack for my weekend. Stay tuned to see which color I'm excited for this spring!
Longchamp Spring 2014 Le Pliage
via

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King Street is where we will be spending quite a bit of our time on Saturday. My group of girlfriends loves shopping as much as I do, so my debit card doesn't stand much of a chance this weekend.
Charleston's King Street

5//
I couldn't agree more. Charleston is most certainly always a good idea. I can't wait to spend the weekend with my best friends in one of the most beautiful places in the South.
charleston is always a good idea Art Print - by Sarah of Note To Self
print via Society 6

Check back next week for pictures from our weekend getaway. Wanna follow along with me this weekend? Come hang out with me on Instagram: @vzellebrown

Don't forget to stop by the Friday Five with these ladies -- DarciAprilChristina, and Natasha!
THE GOOD LIFE BLOG
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