What's in my bag

Happy Wednesday! I'm headed for sunny Florida tomorrow and could NOT be more excited. Today I'm sharing what's in my purse this summer; from basics like planner and lipstick, to my unique and quirky "carry-all-the-time" items that you might not expect. Here's 'what's in the bag...'

1 | KATE SPADE PLANNER ::  I can't go anywhere without my planner, as most of you can relate to. I love the Kate Spade planners because they're functional, cute and classic. My 2016 favorites here | here | here

2| POPPIN GOLD NOTEBOOK :: For wardrobe consults, shopping lists, and random jot-downs I use this fun gold notebook. Closes with an elastic band so you don't have to worry about page wrinkling!

3 | DIOR 'ADDICT' FLUID LIPSTICK :: I love this because it goes on like a gloss, but looks and stays put like a lipstick. Not to mention I am in LO-OVE with this color {779 Plaisir}  The perfect shade of pink and you can apply it lighter for a lighter look, or heavier for a bold pop of color

4| BOBBI BROWN 'STELLA' CAT EYE SUNGLASSES :: Sunglasses are obviously a must, year-round. I went on the hunt for the perfect classic cat-eye sunglass a few months ago, and these were the winner. Some other favorites here | here

5 | BRITT BASS IPHONE CASE :: You all know from my blog earlier this week that I am a fan of all things Britt Bass. Her newest iPhone cases are glossy, well-made and swoon-worthy! My phone is never without one of her fun and colorful designs.

6 | KENDRA SCOTT IVORY RAYNE NECKLACE :: This may sound strange, but I carry this baby in my purse with me everywhere when I'm not wearing it. Why, you ask? Because it's the perfect neutral necklace to throw on with anything from a tee shirt to a little black dress. I keep it with me so that I can use it for styling clients' outfits, trying on with outfits while shopping, and for throwing on if I change outfits or forget a necklace on my way out the door. It's always good to have an accessory like this on hand... you never know when you may need it!

7 | KATE SPADE COBBLE HILL WALLET :: The best basic, black wallet you'll find. It zips closed and keeps everything safe, has 12 credit card spots and multiple pouches. Not to mention it goes in any purse, year-round.

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8 | TORY BURCH THORA FLIP FLOPS :: Like many of you, I'm on my feet a lot during the day. Whether I'm in a client's closet or shopping with them, I don't sit down much. This is why I always carry my TB flip flops with me in case I need to throw them on in between {or sometimes even with!!} clients. They are dressy enough to where they don't look strange if you have to grab for them, and oh-so-comfortable. Not to mention, the perfect shade of tan

SHOP // planner 1 | planner 2 | planner 3 | gold notebook | dior lipstick | sunglasses | iPhone case | kendra scott wayne | kate spade wallet | tory burch flip flops

versatile wardrobe must-haves

Today I'm bringing you some wardrobe must-haves that will carry you through {almost} all the seasons.

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1} THE PONCHO. I have always been a fan of the poncho look and this one from Loft just happened to fit the bill for me. It's not too heavy, which makes it easy to carry in your purse and throw on over anything from a sweater in winter, a tank in the spring or a lightweight blouse in the fall. The crochet makes it unique while also allowing you to see the coloring of whatever you have on underneath. Needless to say  it's been a recent favorite of mine, especially when I travel. 

I love a classic all-black outfit but decided to add a heather gray tunic sweater underneath for a little contrast. Of course, my go-to pixie pants {another wardrobe MUST} were the choice for bottoms.

2} THE LEOPARD SHOE. Another wardrobe staple that every woman truly MUST HAVE? I've said it before and I'll say it again :: A leopard shoe. If you wear heels, then a leopard heel {like these super comfortable and affordable ones by BCBG Paris} is a necessity. If you can't do a  heel, try a wedge or a flat. No matter what form, a leopard shoe will be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet.

Pop one of your favorite statement necklaces {like this one -- currently on sale-- from JCrew} or a long pendant necklace ontop and you have an effortless outfit in minutes. Not to mention this Loft poncho has angles that are perfect for your arms to catch through for holding your purse, etc; No limitations that other ponchos can sometimes have.

the perfect weekender bag

Happy Monday, y'all! Today I'm curing those Monday blues and taking you back {or ahead} to the weekend. I've been searching for the perfect weekender bag for quite some time now; not too big, not too small, and nothing so heavy I feel like I'm lugging it around. My husband's only request of me when we head to the lake for the weekend is "Can you please consolidate all of your stuff into ONE bag?!" Why yes, hubby; your wish is my command. Enter, the Stella & Dot weekender bag.

Elephant Print

Not only is this bag the perfect size, it also zips out to expand even larger when you need that little bit of extra space. The leather is the perfect color, handles are sturdy, and this baby comes in multiple patterns and colors! My favorite has to be the elephant print. I love when red and purple combine and compliment one another perfectly.

This bag was perfect for our lake trip this past weekend

Here are all of the fabulous pattern options ::

Navy + Red Medallion

Red Ikat

Multi-stripe

Green Ikat

So ditch the duffle and consolidate your weekend necessities with the Stella & Dot Weekender. You'll be able to simplify your packing and add some order to that crazy busy life of yours.

spotlight on :: calypso st. barth

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Happy Wednesday, style lovers! Today is my Friday  and my hubby and I are flying down to the beach for some much-needed R&R this Fourth of July weekend. So today I'm bringing you some of my favorite looks from the beachy Calypso St. Barth. This line is ritzy  + unique + dreamy. It comes with a bit of a heftier price tag, but brings you lots of looks that you won't find elsewhere.

  • the silk dress

calypso-3calypso-8This bright teal silk dress is so light and airy; perfect for both day and night. It has the most intricate stitchings around the neckline in bright golds, pinks and blues to compliment.

Jenina Embroidered Silk Dress

  •  the morrocan maxi

calypso-35calypso-32calypso-33Y'all... this dress is everything. The pattern, the colors and the detailing are nothing short of fabulous. Perfect for dressing up and down, summer outings and taking into the fall with a jacket.

Farica Embroidered Cotton Maxi

  • casual stretch pant calypso-20I've always been a little iffy about this type of pants. I still won't say they are my go-to for flattery purposes, but man are they comfortable!! I would throw these babies on around the house or to run some errands. So lightweight and already pre-wrinkled for you moms. **A post on this cute tassel necklace coming up tomorrow!**Hudesa Stretch Silk Pant

Vella Stripe Linen Jersey Tank

  • the metallic tee

calypso-26calypso-28This has to be one of my favorite pieces. I love everything gold and metallic, and this simple tee is no exception. Easy for throwing on, layering and dressing up. Not to mention the perfect amount of metallic. Not too flashy, not too soft.

Anary Metallic Tee

  • the embellished teecalypso-41calypso-42This light peachy linen tee has gold sequins. Need I say more?Caprina Sequined Linen Tee

 And for all you Atlantans, be sure to check out Calypso St. Barth and their dreamy store at Westside Provisions District. We'll be back in a few days to kick off a new blog series, "Made in America," where I'll feature some of my favorite locally made products & companies. Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July and God Bless the U.S.A!

going nautical

Summer is here, the Fourth of July is around the corner, and the nautical trend is isn't going anywhere! I'm headed to the beach tomorrow {yay!} which makes today the perfect time to talk  about going nautical with your look this summer; when done right, nautical is timeless, classic + chic. Not to mention the perfect amount of preppy.

Here's how to get it right ::

  • Start with cool blue stripes. A thinner stripe can go horizontal or vertical, but if you go thicker, make sure it's vertical for slimming reasons.

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Old Navy Cap-Sleeve Chiffon Blouse

  • Add a warm accessory or statement. Yes, you've got the BLUES, in essence, but don't go too crazy with it! Add some contrast with another color, particularly a warm one if your stripes are cool.

nautical stripes

get the look :: Kate Spade York Avenue Small City Duffle

  • Don't be too matchy. This is more of a *life rule* that just happens to also apply to the nautical trend. Don't match your shoes to the exact blue hue in your blouse. Don't do the matching earring / necklace set. Don't be afraid to add something bright and bold into your nautical look, like neon, or play around with complimentary colors.

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Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in Neon Yellow

 So there you have it, nautical done right! This summer, pair your nautical with any denim; from white, to dark, to coral or mango.

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Wishing you a happy Fourth of July week ahead! Tomorrow, we'll kick it off with our Beauty Giveaway, just in time for your sunny weekend plans. If you haven't entered, now is your LAST CHANCE! Click here and leave your comment to enter.

how to :: make your casual summer look chic

Happy Monday and a happy short work week to those of you who have Friday off! Today we're going back to the basics and talking about your casual summer wardrobe. For many of you, comfort is key; whether you are a mom running and playing with your kids, or are in a professional setting and can't wait to throw on those comfy clothes at the end of your work week! How do you make a plain ole' t-shirt and shorts look chic + put together? Today we're talking how to make your casual look chic ::

  • The half-tuck :: Rather than leaving your tee shirt hanging over your shorts, accentuate your waist-line and polish up your look. Tuck the front half of your tee into your shorts, and then pull down around the sides and back. This gives a more put-together look, without the constant adjustment and sometimes discomfort of a full tuck all the way around. Pick a short that's breathable and fun, like these navy crochet trim linen shorts from LOFT.

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halftuck

  • Patterns + sleeves :: Try a fun patterned tee that is still comfortable and breathable.  Experiment with a cap sleeve or a tank,  rather than your basic sleeve. You can do the same with necklines. How about this LOFT floral tee?

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  • Accessorize! :: Accessories are the finishing touch. NO outfit is complete without at least some minimal accessorizing. And since it's summer, try something fun! Add a bright warm color to a cool-toned outfit, or vice versa. My summer go-to accessory? These neon pink Kendra Scott 'Danielle' earrings. They are bright, bold and FABULOUS.

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  • Dress it up from day to night :: I'm all about an outfit being versatile enough to go from day into night. During the day, pair with a flat sandal or a flip flop. Then take your look into nighttime by switching to a wedge and amping up your accessories. Add a white jean jacket for those cool nights, like this one from GAP.

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Other accessories pictured ::

Kendra Scott Cassie Bracelet in white

Kendra Scott Jordan Bangle Bracelets in gold

Vince Camuto Rose Gold Watch

So amp up your casual tee + shorts look this summer. It doesn't have to look thrown on and tired. Use these tips to keep your casual comfort while looking chic and put-together!

beachy keen :: summer beach necessities

It's officially summer and we have been reminded of that with these sweltering {miserable!} temps in Atlanta. The kids are out of school, and that beach trip of your's may just be right around the corner! Today we're bringing you some simple beach necessities that will keep you cool, effortlessly stylish & beach-ready ::

BEACH NECESSITIES

  1. WHITE, LIGHT + AIRY BUTTONDOWN {like this one, from Anthropologie}
  2. CASUAL DENIM SHORT {like these, by Rebecca Taylor}
  3. TASSEL NECKLACE {like the Rayne necklace, by Kendra Scott}
  4. JEWELED SANDAL {like these, from JCrew}
  5. WEEKENDER BAG {like this elephant print, by Stella & Dot}
  6. STRAW HAT {like this one, from JCrew}
  7. BRIGHTENING CC CREAM by Painted Earth {I use this everyday!}
  8. THE PERFECT BEACH TOWEL {like this "Hello Sunshine" from Wayfair}

Now that you're beach-ready, all that's left to do is grab your favorite book, pack up and go!

GIVEAWAY TIME ::

What's your favorite beach read? I'd love for you to share... Comment below and you'll be entered to win my favorite Brightening CC Cream from Painted Earth! Put it on under your makeup everyday and brighten your complexion while protecting your face from the sun at the same time. Use it as your facial sunscreen at the beach and give yourself a flawless face while beaching it!