What's in my Bag | Tried & True Daily Must-Haves

   

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm sharing the things that I've worn + used time and time again, that never fail me. Here's a quick roundup of items I always have with or on me, at all times. And most of them are super budget-friendly! (Harrison, are you reading this?! I CAN be budget-friendly!) 

TOTE | This is one of my favorite tote bags, which also happens to be one of the least expensive bags I own ($60 say whaat!). I love the structure and simplicity of this and it now comes in a deep green which I think I have to snag (Okay, I don't think - I KNOW I will be buying this) 

SUNNIES | We can't live without sunnies and my current favorites are these Le Specs. I just discovered this brand and am really impressed! Love the shape, love the color & especially love the price ($69!) I'm linking mine, plus a few other favorites below...

ARMANI LIP MAGNET LIQUID LIPSTICK | If you haven't tried these, I am telling you now YOU ARE MISSING OUT. This is one of, if not THE, best lip colors I've ever used. It's like a cross between a gloss and a lipstick; goes on wet with lots of moisture, then dries matte without looking cracky/crusty, and it stays on for hours on end. The colors are fantastic and the size is perfect for throwing in a tote, clutch, or even pocket. You'll thank me later. (I have colors 400 and 505)

ARM CANDY | I've gotten in the habit of throwing these bracelets in my purse because I often leave the house without anything on my wrists. You can never go wrong with gold & tortoise shell, and the fact that JCrew has kept this pave link bracelet in stock season after season proves I'm not the only one who feels this way. The tortoise shell bangles are on sale - yay! They're all linked below (photos of tortoise aren't showing for some reason... just click to see them!)

PLANNER | So many people can do this phone calendar thing and I just cannot make it work. I've found that I have to physically write something down in order for my brain to register it. I love a good planner and this year I actually found mine at Target! (Sugar Paper, for the win). 

What are your tried & true must-haves? I'd love to hear if I'm missing out!

A Light + Springy Look

   

Happy Heart Day! Instead of sharing a Valentine's look (because let's be honest... it's a little too late for that), I'm sharing a light springy look because 1) I'm getting to that point where I can't wait for spring, 2) I am obsessed with the springy weather we've been having lately and 3) we are headed to Florida in March and California in April and shopping for these trips makes me super excited! 

This top is super light-weight, comes in multiple colors and is on-budget at just $59. It will be perfect for warm days with white jeans and booties as we transition into spring! Not to mention a great beachy top for any warm-weather trips you've got planned.

I put a tank under this particular color because it's a little bit sheer (the other colors are more opaque- I've seen them all in person) I think you'd be fine without one but since this is a G-rated blog, I'll keep it classy. Here's a view at all the colors / patterns...

Can we also talk about the fact that I haven't washed my hair in 3 days (probably amplifying the fact that I desperately need highlights)? This braid was the perfect solution, and it helped me show off my cutie chinoiserie tassel earrings! (sidenote- if you'd like a tutorial for this braid-thing, comment and let me know!)

White jeans are HARD to do, y'all. Since this is one of my clients' top shopping list items for spring and summer, I'm always on the hunt for flattering, thick-enough-but-not-too-thick, stretchy, comfortable pair of white jeans. This pair is by far the best I've found yet. The best part? They're at Nordstrom Rack and under $100. 

SHOP // top | jeans | booties (on sale!) | earrings

Transition from Winter to Spring with the Military Jacket

   

Happy Hump Day! We've had a busy and exciting week so far... on Monday we closed on our first flip! It was such a huge relief after months of hard work, late nights, blood (Harrison's), sweat (both of ours) and tears (all mine and lots of them). We learned so much and it was really cool to see a vision brought to life in such a beautiful way! I'll be sharing all the before & after's on the Mimosa Design Co. blog later this week. 

In light of the spring-like weather we've been having, I'm sharing a key piece to help you transition your wardrobe from winter into spring. The military jacket is classic and will never go out of style; hence, the reason you see them in stores season after season. It's lightweight, easy for layering and perfect for throwing on over anything; from a sweater, blouse or dress, to a tank top when spring rolls in and you just need a light jacket.

Plus, the army green color goes with EVERYTHING. Use it as a neutral, like you would a denim.

what i'm wearing
 jeans | eyelet top (similar) | lace-up flats (similar) | necklace (similar) | bracelets 1, 2

Today I'm sharing my current favorites with you. Shop them here :: 

Nordstrom Winter Sale Favorites

   

Happy Tuesday! Nordstrom is having a GREAT sale right now, so I wanted to quickly share some of my favorites with you. Happy lunch break shopping! 

Lake Rabun Getaway Weekend with Toyota

  

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Southeast Toyota. The opinions and text are all mine.

TGIF! Today, I'm recapping our road trip that we took with Toyota last weekend. We had SO much fun. When I was trying to choose a destination in the state of Georgia, the Lake Rabun Hotel was one of the first places to come to mind. Lake Rabun holds a special place in my heart because I've been going there since I was a kid to my grandmother's cabin, and Harrison actually proposed there. We have gone to the LRH for cocktails and dinner and always loved the charm, so I've been dying to stay there! Britt and Ren joined us in the fun and we headed out for a weekend of exploring and relaxing!

First, let's talk about the car. This Camry was 1) bright blue which was hilarious and awesome. It actually ended up matched Britt's artwork really well. 2) completely decked out with everything you could possibly want; from navigation, to music, to a spot where you can place your phone to let it charge without plugging everything in. 

I sound so cheesy saying this, but y'all... there was so much trunk space! Both Britt and I are definitely over-packers and we were able to fit all of our bags, lots of games, artwork, goodies, cameras and more. I was pleasantly surprised! 

We got to our cozy little cottage at the Lake Rabun Hotel on Friday evening and got settled in. It was so picturesque, right next to the hotel and overlooking the lake & marina. 

It ended up raining the entire weekend, but we didn't let that stop us from having the best time. We cozied up by the fire, ate amazing food at the hotel, drank lots of coffee, played games on the porch, painted (I watched Britt paint) & drove around taking in the sights.

The rugs in this place, y'all. I wanted to scoop them up and steal them all! 

I pretty much alternated between these slippers & my Hunter boots the entire weekend.

Also, HATS were my lifesaver this weekend. Both are currently on sale and if you don't enjoy washing your hair like me, you probably need them. FLOPPY HAT | BASEBALL HAT

The rain stopped for approximately 3 hours so we took advantage and explored Clayton. Such a cute little town with so much growth happening! We popped into the cute local shops and walked around enjoying the mild temps. 

STRIPED PEPLUM TEE | SWEATER (I tied in a knot) | RAIN COAT | PIXIE PANTS

Lots of fog and mist made for so much coziness and beauty! We had the best trip with the best friends, in the best mode of transportation! 
*A HUGE thank you to Toyota for sponsoring this trip!

 

 

 

Easy Wardrobe Essentials | Basic Tee, the Best Booties + the Necklace You Need

   

Happy Thursday, y'all! Tomorrow on the blog, I'll be recapping our trip to Lake Rabun with Toyota from last weekend, so be sure to tune in! Today I'm talking basics; because let's be honest... I do not get dressed to the nines every day and when I'm not meeting with clients, you'll find me in my comfy basics.

First up? My favorite booties. I finally snagged these after several of my clients bought them on our shopping trips. They are so flattering (sometimes booties are cut too high or low on the ankle which can be confusing... these are at the perfect height), comfortable AND waterproof! Yes, completely waterproof. They are perfectly casual and easy to throw on with literally anything; from jeans to leggings to dresses & skirts. If you've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of booties, these are for you! 

This twist tee is one of my absolute favorites for a couple of reasons - it's super soft and cozy, the twist in front is a super flattering cut, and it's the perfect weight. Plus it comes in multiple colors! Of course I started with black but I'm headed back to pick up the grey.

Last but definitely not least (actually this could be the most important wardrobe staple!) is this necklace. If my clients don't have a neutral, simple long necklace in their closet, it is at the top of their shopping list. Accessories put the finishing touch on an outfit, and a long necklace is even more important than a statement piece. It can draw in boxy, flowy tops and dresses, and break up solid colors. When in doubt, I wear this Rebel Pendant. I am about to order it in rose gold, too!

...oh, and here's a link to these charcoal jeans I've been wearing on repeat lately. Love this color! These fuchsia flats will be on the blog soon, but here's a link now because they're 40% OFF.

What are your favorite easy wardrobe essentials? 

 

The Perfect LBD to Take from Winter to Spring

   

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm sharing one of my new favorite dresses; I first pulled this fit & flare LBD for a client on a recent shopping trip, then decided I had to have it too. It is SO flattering, comfy and stretchy, and on budget at $100. I have been wearing this with my black OTK boots, but you could easily take it into spring with some booties. Plus, you can dress it down with a casual military vest or jacket. I can't say enough about this dress! 

If you've been looking for a great, flattering LBD, this is it! A PSA - Topshop has funky sizing. For reference, I ordered a US 6 (I am normally a 2/4 in dresses). Shop the full look below :: 

Trendy Tuesday | Mules + Clogs... Love or Loathe?

   

Happy Tuesday! I have to admit... I have not been a huge fan of the mule/clog trend coming back into play this season. BUT as I've been shopping around, I discovered that there are some really cute styles coming out, and I love the idea of being able to slip something on so easily. I am now on the mule bandwagon *AS LONG AS they are done right* (and this is the key)! It can be hard to know whether or not something is cute when you try it on in a store. So, I'm sharing my favorite styles for all you who have been wanting to test out the mule trend but not sure if you can pull it off. Trust me when I say... if I can, you can! 

 

A couple things I've found that I love about mules :: 

- They are easy to throw on and can be dressed up + down
- They are perfect for going from season to season; winter to spring, summer to fall, fall to winter
- Many of them are platforms so they are COMFY
- They give you added height without being a pump or heel that makes you feel too "dressy"
- Wear them with anything! From ripped jeans, to flares, to leggings, dresses, skirts & more

 

 

Full outfit // DOTTED TOP | PANTS | NECKLACE

These from Anthro (on sale) are more of a true "clog" in my opinion, but I kind of love them. I've found lots of super cute mule styles as well, and I've linked them all (including the ones I'm wearing) below. Are you jumping on the mule bandwagon this season? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

FRI-YAY | CURRENTLY LOVING

   

Happy Friday! In honor of the best day of the week, I'm sharing some things I'm currently loving; from clothes I've been swooning over and wearing lots of, to beauty + home finds & more. 

First up, cold-shoulder sweaters. I seriously can't get enough of these (this black one is currently on repeat and it's 40% off TODAY) and there are some really great ones in stores now. Here are my favorites...

Next, GRANITE jewelry! I am obsessed with the Kendra Scott granite line (it's all on sale, too!). This necklace & earrings go with everything and are the perfect statement pieces. Plus, rose gold. 

Open-back booties / mules. I LOVE these because they're so easy to slide on, and go straight from winter into spring, then back again in fall. Shop my favorites below.

Next, gimme ALL THE VOLCANO SCENTS. This has been my favorite scent for a long time. I got my reed diffuser for Christmas and my whole house smells like heaven. 

Beauty Must-Haves? NARS Velvet Skin Tint is like velvet in a bottle. You use it like you would a tinted moisturizer, but it has more coverage and leaves your skin feeling like a BABY'S BOTTOM. It is seriously amazing and I can't wait to put it on every morning. All you need over it is powder.
*I use the color 'Alaska' 

I've blogged it before and I'll blog it again... BOO BOO GEL. I use this as a cure-all for everything from blemishes, to cuts, scrapes, burns and more. Recently, I've been using it like a mask and coating it all over my face before bed, letting it dry and sleeping with it on. In the morning when I wash it off, my skin feels super smooth and even. Not to mention it smells amazing and is all-natural. I love Painted Earth and all of their products; I cannot get enough!   

Workout Wear | Leggings You'll Live In

Happy Thursday! One of my 2017 business goals is to blog more, so I hope I'll be seeing more of you here than I have lately! Today I'm sharing something we can all get on board with - leggings you'll literally want to live in. 

On days when I'm not working with clients, you'll find me in the comfiest leggings possible and loungewear on top. Plus, I'm becoming a slight Pure Barre addict, so I'm always on the hunt for the cutest, comfiest and most flattering leggings that I can wear at the barre and all day long. Ready? I'm sharing them all with you (including these adorable tie leggings that I'm going nuts for). 

I am also obsessed with these sneakers from Gray Monroe - they are SO lightweight, slip on, comfortable and soft. The best part? They're under $30...

TIE LEGGINGS | SNEAKERS

It's no secret that I'm a huge Zella (Nordstrom brand) fan, and of course I love me some Lulu. But lately I've been getting into GapFit leggings and loungewear because it's just SO COMFY. I love how they group their fitness wear by the type of workout, too. 

Shop ALL my favorites - tried, tested & approved ::