dress: Tibi / shoes: Tory Burch / bracelet: J.Crew (similar) / mani: OPI's You're Such a Budapest / pup: Sophie
I am beyond obsessed with the Calla Lily dress -- and it is perfect for spring! This dress has so many elements: a vibrant print, bright colors, conservative neckline, and low back. I love how different it is and felt like a million bucks while wearing it. I wore it for the bridal shower, and I'm already ready to wear it again. I've had a lot of people ask where to get it, but unfortunately, the dress is from last year and is no longer available for purchase. Here are some other fun choices that are perfect for spring -- and even a few with a dramatic back.
- Pick A Theme | No, this doesn't have to be cheesy. In this case, Madison had quite a few things on her registry for their kitchen, so we decided a kitchen shower would be perfect.
- Make It Personal | Handwritten recipe cards are something treasured by so many brides, so we sent out invites that included recipe cards (like these adorable ones) so that each guest could bring one for her personalized recipe box.
- Favors That Count | Shower favors don't have to be over the top, as that can get very expensive. Choose something simple, like a mason jar filled with jam or goodies, as it can easily be reused as a household item.
Centerpieces: Mason Jar Floral Arrangements
Favors: Candy-Filled Mason Jars
This year, thanks to Studio Gear's CC Cream, I will be living in that on days I'm not going into work -- and maybe even days that I am! CC Cream -- color correcting -- it is perfect both by itself and underneath makeup. So far, I have used it both ways, and I would definitely recommend this product if you're looking for something similar to a tinted moisturizer that also is great for your skin.
Studio Gear's Hydrating CC Cream transforms and enhances your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish.
Key Benefits:
Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients
Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention
Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application
To show how this product works, I took photos with no makeup, with just the CC cream, and with the CC cream under a light layer of makeup. These photos are unedited as to show how this appears in natural light.
The product comes out as a white cream, but transforms into color once rubbed onto skin. To apply, I dispensed into palm and used my fingers to rub in like a moisturizer. To finish, I used my flat foundation brush to even out for good measure.
There is not a major difference in photo one and two, but you can see that redness on my nose and cheek area from an afternoon in the sun has disappeared. I also used this product without my normal moisturizer, and I liked the way the final product of my makeup turned out. On a normal day as the CC cream as a base, I would have added a bit of bronzer and mascara to create a more finished look, but in terms of just the "base" of my makeup, it definitely evened out my skin.
Guess what? Southern Style readers get 10% off their purchase of any Studio Gear cosmetics by entering the code bloggercc -- so if you're looking for a great new product just in time for summer, be sure to shop now!
This post was sponsored by Brand Backer and Studio Gear Cosmetics, but all opinions are my own.
There are also some changes happening around the blog today -- so if you visit and things don't look quite right -- check back for a brand new look!
There are also some changes happening around the blog today -- so if you visit and things don't look quite right -- check back for a brand new look!
To say I know something about the North Carolina Azalea Festival would be an understatement. The Azalea Festival welcomes many out-of-town guests as well as celebrities, including Miss Americas, actors, actresses, military heroes, and more. There are also several concerts throughout the week, which have featured Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kellie Pickler, and more. The whole point of the festival are the azaleas -- so garden tours featuring some of the most gorgeous flowers you have ever seen are a big highlight. The North Carolina Azalea Festival is a great aspect of Wilmington, and it attracts both locals and visitors alike.
I grew up in Wilmington, so I always knew about Azalea Fest, but it really and truly began when I was in high school. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply to be Azalea Belles, which in Wilmington, is a big deal. You wear antebellum-style dresses and parade around for a few days, accenting the gardens of the home tours.
I grew up in Wilmington, so I always knew about Azalea Fest, but it really and truly began when I was in high school. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply to be Azalea Belles, which in Wilmington, is a big deal. You wear antebellum-style dresses and parade around for a few days, accenting the gardens of the home tours.
This is about the only picture I could find online of this event (hard to believe this was 7 years ago). That's me on the far left in the yellow.
Then, my senior year, I won the North Carolina Azalea Festival Princess Pageant. I'm telling you, the Azalea Festival is a pretty big deal -- such a big deal that there is a princess and a queen. The Princess Pageant is not your average "pageant" -- it's a scholarship program for girls who are juniors in high school (the age has changed since I won), and it gives girls in our community the opportunity to have an unforgettable week representing the home we all love. I got to spend Azalea Festival week with celebrities, the Queen's Court, Queen Azalea, and the princess court (we dubbed ourselves the Crown Squad. Very cool, I know.) It's a fun, busy, and exciting week, and I loved every minute of it.
Two years later, I won Miss Garner and applied to be on the Queen's Court. The North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen's Court is comprised of preliminary title holders that will be competing at the Miss North Carolina Pageant. In addition, cadets from the Citadel come up to North Carolina from our southern counterpart to escort the ladies of the Queen's Court. It's a very busy week: hair and makeup at 6am, first event, then lunch, then another event or two, then back to hair and makeup, dinner, and then an evening dinner, party, or concert. It's hectic at times, but it's worth every second. When I received the call that I would be participating as a member of the Queen's Court, I was beyond elated! Talk about a whirlwind -- this is it.
In 2013, I won Miss Wilmington. Being that Wilmington is the home of the NC Azalea Festival, Miss Wilmington automatically fills one of the spots on the Queen's Court. Guess what? I was back again! By this point, it was my 3rd time being a part of some one court or another, and I'm sure the Azalea Festival was just about tired of me, but I would have not had it any other way. Such an incredible experience! It is so much fun spending time with other Miss North Carolina girls as well as meeting a lot of new people!
As for "My name is Azalea..." My name is Zelle, which for those who aren't quite sure how to pronounce it, rhymes with belle (Azalea belle, perhaps?) When I was the Azalea Princess, someone legitimately asked me if I changed my name to Zelle because I was the Azalea Princess. Cute concept, but no. My parents gave me that one -- at birth. My friends love that story, and hence, the nickname Azalea was born. Interestingly enough, a few weeks ago, I heard my mom say Azalea and turned to respond to her. Unfortunately, she wasn't talking to me. She was talking about the actual festival.
Clearly, I can't get enough of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, but this year I'm going to have to. I'm not the Azalea Princess, I'm not a Miss NC title holder, I'm not the Azalea Queen - I'm just me.
So, I'll be having Azalea envy all week.
Happy Azalea Week!
So, I'll be having Azalea envy all week.
Happy Azalea Week!
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