Spring/Summer Work Clothes

Spring has finally arrived in Nashville. At lease it is trying to and I am more than ready! I work in a very casual office, but I still like to look nice. I love pairing a nice top with jeans and white pants in the summer. I recently did some damage in Anthropologie. I had some gift cards I needed to use plus my birthday is next week so I used that as an excuse to shop for myself. 

Les Fleurs Lace 
Loved this top when I tried it on. It looks great with
jeans or nice pants and can go from day to night easily!
Plus it reminded me of the Alexander McQueen lace top from
fall Paris fashion show (below)

  

Alexander McQueen
Obsessed!! I can dream.

Fluttered Maya Blouse
Loved this top when I tried it on. It is flattering and comfortable.

  

Fluttered Maya Blouse
Liked this blouse so much I bought it in two different patterns

Springtide Pintuck Blouse
Really pretty, casual summer top

Nellore Blouse
Another casual summer blouse. You can't have too many white tops

I did splurge on one item. Nordstrom had a Chloe Bag I had been keeping my eye on, and I was hoping it would go on sale. I went into Nordstrom Rack on my lunch break. Sidenote: I don't know how I lived in Nashville for almost ten years without Nordstrom Rack. The only bad thing about it is how close it is to my home and work. While looking at the bags I noticed some Chloe bags that were nice but not what I was looking for. I just happened to look on the bottom row and there it was...one bag exactly like the one in Nordstrom. AND it was half off. I quickly grabbed it and ran to the cash register like a crazy person. It's my birthday week so I can right?

Favorite Splurges

I am usually picky with how I spend my hard earned money, but I do like to buy nice things. For instance I treat myself to a massage every month. It's something I look forward to, and besides Marie and Massage Envy in Brentwood, TN is so good that I could never stop unless she leaves. I also love to treat myself to a nice dinner at Rolf and Daughters and go to shows. It's Music City so it is hard to stay home some nights!

There are certain products that are more splurges than treats! There are other brands of these products that are more affordable and still good, but every once in awhile I like to splurge on the luxury items. This happens a lot when I'm having a rough day (Confessions of an emotional shopper).

Cle' de Peau Beaute' Concealer - Concealer is a very important makeup item for me because frankly I need it. Dark circles are a huge problem so I love a good concealer! This baby is a whopping $70. Normally, I would NEVER spend that much on concealer  but I've been reading all the raving reviews for years so I decided to give it a shot. Trust me, I didn't want to like it because of the price but dang it, it is the best beauty product I've ever tried. It is so natural and goes on so flawlessly that you forget how much of a hit your bank account just took.

 Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick -  If you know me at all you know I love lipstick. I have a whole drawer just for lipstick. My collection mainly consists of MAC lipticks which are affordable, highly pigmented and one of my favorite formulas. I do like to try other brands as well and have some drugstore, Chanel, Burberry and Dior lipsticks, but my favorite splurge is from YSL.  My favs are #1 (Nude Beige), #8 (Fetish Pink). The packaging is luxurious and the lipstick formula is so smooth. Well worth the extra $$$. 

 Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray - The talented Tiana Trotz at Parlour 3 got me hooked on this product. I have fine hair that does not like a lot of product. This texturiing spray gives my hair a ton of volume plus smells amazing!

Diptyque Candles - A friend got me this candle in Roses and Baies and I just love them. I have since repurchased Roses because I love it and I only burn it on special occasions. 

 Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede fragrance is one of my favorites!! It is described as a charming mix of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower, all mingling with a sensual blush suede. It's fresh and light and you will get compliments. 

Louis Vuitton Speedy - Handbags are one thing I'm a snob on. I really enjoy carrying a nice purse. The nicest one I've purchased so far is the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. It's a classic. I have my eye on a new one hopefully soon. 

Truth

Just saw this quote on Pinterest and it was just to perfect not to share. After coming off the worst year in my life, this is turning out to be one of the best. I have changed drastically and the way I live my life has changed drastically. Those who know me are rolling their eyes because I'm the biggest Meryl Streep fan, but she is perfect in my eyes.

 

 

Everything is Rosey

Some people have a signature scent, but not me. I am always mixing up my fragrances because I get bored easy. Lately, I have been drawn to anything with a rose scent. I'm not sure if it is because I am in a very good season in my life or what. Here are some of my current favs:

 

I have been using this spray for years. I keep a bottle at home and at my desk at work. It is great to set your makeup or just refresh your skin throughout the day. Plus, it is only $7 and will last a long time.

I absolutely love shopping at Lush! I try to avoid chemical and strong ingredients, and Lush is free from any of that. I picked up some of the Lush Rose Jam bath bombs and they are the perfect treat after a long day. You can break them in half and get two baths from one bomb. Also, try Sex Bomb from Lush for a bath that is filled with amazing rose petals.

This Rose scented Argan Body Conditioner is the best lotion I've ever tried. Not only does it smell heavenly it makes your skin feel as smooth as all Lush Products do. I am obsessed with this stuff.

A client gifted me with this Diptyque Roses candle. They didn't even know it is my current fragrance of choice, and I am in love with it!

 

Fall Favs and wants

Hello October! My favorite month of the year is here! The cooler weather, apple cider, pumpkin everything and pulling out the fall clothes just makes me so happy. This month will have a lot to live up to since September was one of my favorite months ever! After hitting a wall and facing burnout earlier in the year, doors have opened and I'm so re-energized! Will share some exciting news soon.
Back to my favs and wants this fall:

 

 

Saw this Rebecca Taylor Jacket on Happily Grey's blog and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately, it is not budget friendly so I'm keeping my eyes out for a dupe.

My motorcycle jacket finally gave up after many fall/winter seasons. I love this one from Madewell!

Plaid shirts! This one is perfect for fall!

I'm loving the color Burgandy right now. And I may have just ordered this sweater. I'm so weak.

Ask any of friends about my lipstick problem and they will go on and on, but I can't help it. I love a good lipstick. Out of all the lipsticks I have if I had to choose one it would be Rebel from MAC. I LOVE this color so much! It looks great on any skin color, and I am never without it.

There is always a candle burning in my place. My favorite for fall is by far Leaves from Bath and Body Works. I know this is a cult favorite and can be hard to find sometimes so that is why I stock up every fall. The notes are: a rich blend of golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries. Basically, it's just everything great about fall in a candle.

This has nothing to do with fall, but my parents are going to get me some new lighting for my dining room and currently, this lighting fixture from West Elm is my favorite. It's such a hard decision because there are so many great fixtures out there to choose from!

 Finally, this video makes me happy and shows off our amazing city!

 

 

Vacation Time

I haven't been this excited in a long time! I'm actually going on a real vacation soon. Believe it or not, I haven't been on a legit vacation my whole adult life. Sad...but true! Let's just say life happens, and this year I decided I was tired of looking at everyone's pictures so I'm going! It feels like I booked my ticket years ago but it is almost here!

 

I decided to do some shopping this past weekend since there were so many Friends & Family deals going on and I have rewards and gift cards I need to use. I was not a fan of Banana Republic's spring or summer lines, but their fall line is so much better! I bought a few fall items since it was 50% off, and managed to find a few things for my trip. First, I bought a white graphic t-shirt that says Out of Office, because that is my plan. No emails....nothing! I love to wear graphic t-shirts under a black blazer or cardigan (not available online yet).

Picked up this weekender bag which I love and will use as a carry on bag. (sold out online)

 

 

Loved this skirt when I tried it on and thought it would be great for shopping and/or dinner (Here)

 

 

Love to wear bright pink and since I don't have a lot of dresses I loved how this fit and how comfortable it was. (Here)

 

This Michael Kors coverup was on clearance at Nordstrom! I loved it even though it doesn't look like a coverup. (Here)

I definitely plan on shopping some on my trip and hopefully visit stores and boutiques we don't have in Nashville. I just can't wait to get out of town and completely forget about work and all my side projects. I must shut this brain off for awhile which will be a challenge, but I am ready for it.

 

fashionABLE

If you haven't heard of fashionABLE you must check them out. I have an insane scarf collection and fashionABLE is one of my favorite places to buy them. Plus, when you buy a scarf or accessory it is for a good cause. Several celebrities have been photographed wearing these scarves giving this cause some great media coverage.  Each purchase of a fashionABLE product creates sustainable business in Africa.  Each item you purchase comes with a handwritten thank you note from the woman who made it. It's an amazing cause and fashionABLE is headquartered in Nashville!  They are currently running a 25% off promo! So check them out at www.livefashionable.com and make a difference in these women's lives! The fall collection will be out soon.

 

 

Also, Niki Taylor has partnered with Style Haul to start her own Youtube channel. Check it out and subscribe! Niki is a legend in the fashion world and one of the nicest people I know!