Cozy in Tulle...

Tulle is kind of my favorite... I bought this skirt back in the spring from ModCloth & crazy enough, it's still available. I've only had the opportunity to wear it a couple times... and decided I wanted to find a way to take it a little more casual: what better way to do that than throw on a sweater? I just love how this look came together. Pulling in metallic pieces with a neutral palette really jazzed it up, but kept a comfy feel.

I can't say this will be my last tulle skirt. I love that this version is calmer in that it isn't quite ballerina style, but I would still like to find one similar to the one Anthro had this time last year: a little more full and meant to be worn in a cocktail-style setting. Maybe Santa will bring one my way...

Skirt: Modcloth

Sweater: Jcrew Factory

Shoes: Jcrew, old. (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Headband: Forever 21, similar

Bracelet: Forever 21

Lippie: YSL, Fetish Pink

In other news, I finally have a new camera... Christmas came a little early this year and I am so happy!!! It has definitely made things easier for my personal photographer (aka Mister Luke)... lol. Not like either of us are pro's or have a clue what we are doing... but we are having fun learning in the meantime. 

Luke finally made his way back from his conference... and while I was sad he found out so last minute that he would be going, he made a lot of great contacts and had a great time. I really feel like we all need a break sometimes and I think it may have been just what he needed. He is such a great teacher and I couldn't be more proud of him and the work he is doing with his students. 

One last thing... do you guys realize how soon Christmas is coming??? OMG! I have not even started Christmas shopping! I think I'd better get a start on that this week... how are you guys prepping for the holidays?

Thanks for reading and have a Happy Sunday!!!

Classic Plaid....

Happy Humpday! We are halfway to the weekend! I wanted to take a few minutes to share my love for these Loft pants with you. I have had my eye on these for quite some time! If you are a Loft regular, you will know that they are no stranger to a sale... and always have some sort of promo going on. That's why I finally broke down and bought these plaid trousers. Originally $75 dollars and I got them for $25!! Can't beat that! (They are still available Here!)  Preppy, classic plaids are a fall and winter staple in my wardrobe and these will definitely get some great use!

Loft is still doing 40% off all sale items! Visit here to browse and rack up on some great fall and winter staples at great prices!!! 

Pants: Loft

Top: Jcrew

Blazer: Urban Outfitters, old (Loving this one!)

Bag: Dooney & Bourke

Flats: Asos, old (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, old (have this one also)

I hope you are having a great week so far! Mine has been so-so, mainly due to Luke being in Charlotte at a conference. He won't be back until the weekend and I am definitely missing him. 

Have a great day & Let's keep working for the weekend!

Thanks for Reading!

Happy•&•Bright

This jacket ya'll!!! OMG!!! When I posted this on insta... I got so many compliments on the color... and that's exactly what pulled me in! I got this from Talbot's. ((I'm a Talbot's lover in my 20's & I am not ashamed!) I have never been more in love with a coat. Yellow is a color that you truly have to find the right shade for your coloring and I think marigold is mine. Bright yellows are absolutely GORG, but make me look like an 80's hot mess... so I can't really pull them off.. but fall yellows such as this work well for me. 

I also made a splurge a couple weeks ago (probably my last for a while), on these leopard Tory Burch flats. If you have followed me on insta for a while... you will know that I am kind of obsessed with TB. I can't help it! The calf hair version that came out years ago is really difficult to find in good condition on ebay so when I saw these I snatched them up! I got them on a Thursday night and when I woke up on Friday to show Luke they were gone. I'm glad I ordered when I did. The saffiano leather will hold up much better over time so I am glad that I got these instead. 

Happy Sunday!!!! Where has the weekend gone? Just wanted to post a few pictures from and #OOTD and let you guys know where I've been!!! (hiding out... jk) Let's just say, work-life balance is a struggle for me right now. I have been working 6 days a week for the past month and filling two roles at my job... needless to say, I need a break. This should be the last week of madness and I couldn't be happier to return to normalcy. 

Jacket: Talbots, similar 

Denim: Hudson

Flats: Tory Burch, sold out

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Target

Have a great day & Thanks for reading!!!!

Hunting for Foxes

Vest: TJMaxx, love this one || Sweater: Old Navy || Boots: Hunter via Nordstrom || 

Pants: Jcrew || Bracelet: Target: (only available in store at this time) || 

Watch: Michael Kors || Necklace: Jcrew || Lippie: Candy Yum Yum

I have been craving these boots FOREVER!!!! I don't know why I kept pushing them aside on my list of wants... but on our trip last week we stopped at Tyson's Corner and the one thing I was not leaving without was a pair of Hunters! I went in kind of leaning toward the hunter green color or poppy red, but when I started trying on I realized that with this being my first pair I wanted to go simple. I can tell you now that I am in LOVE! I actually do want another pair already (probably going to hold off until spring), but I am so happy I went with basic black! I do recommend going with the sponge (it's like 5 dollars, why not?) if you like a shiny look. With the boots being molded rubber, they grab everything, so you really have to keep them clean.

I've been a little negligent with blogging this past week. Life really caught up with me since we were gone for several days and I decided I needed a little break. I am; however, always very consistent with OOTD shares on instagram so feel free to follow along for daily updates. 

We had an amazing time on our trip last week! I will be doing a couple posts on what we were up to while away and also a post dedicated to "What to Wear" for engagement photos. I learned a lot through that process that I wish I had known, so I'm looking forward to passing that along. 

I hope you have a fabulous day and if you are off tomorrow as well to celebrate Mr. Columbus, Cheers!

thanks for reading!

Peplum

Top: Target|| Denim:Gap || Booties: Steven by Steve Madden ||

Bag: Tory Burch, similar || Sunnies: Forever 21, Similar ||

Watch: Michael Kors || Pearls: Jcrew || Bracelet: Tory Burch, similar

 

 

I've always been a sucker for peplum since the trend started so when I found this top last week at Target, I fell in love! It is almost identical to one I saw at Jcrew over the summer and came in at half the price.  Stripes in classic colors are always hard to say no to and I just think this top is so classic. Peplum can be difficult to pull off and to me it seems like the waist is always either too long or short and hits in all the wrong places. The peplum hem on this top is understated enough that it creates just enough shape to be a statement piece, but doesn't look overdone.

 

On the flipside, I haven't always been an ankle bootie fan. I feel like they typically create a shorter line and make your legs look stumpy. When I saw these at TjMaxx, the leather was so beautiful I thought I should just try them on for kicks (who doesn't like shoe shopping just for the heck of it?). I was almost floored when I found myself actually liking them! The dip in the front creates a longer line so the leg doesn't seem to stop right at the ankle. I don't think I'll be buying many more, but I am glad to find a flattering way to wear this trend.  

 

In life news: What a week!!! Luke and I are currently in Delaware visiting my grandparents and doing some wedding planning! It's been pretty jam-packed, but we have had a blast so far. We spent Sunday after church touring our venue and having our engagement pictures done. My grandparents are from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and recently moved within the last couple years to Delaware. Since I have so much history in their hometown, I decided I wanted our engagement photos to be taken there. We spent several hours moving from spot-to-spot and I think we captured some really great photos. Seeing Luke learn how to pose in pictures was definitely entertaining. I think that is something that a lot of guys struggle with and watching him warm up to the camera was really nice to see.

I hope you had an amazing weekend! We will be traveling back to Tennessee on Tuesday and would appreciate prayers for safe travels. (It's a 10 hour drive) I will also be doing a few posts on our travels and OOTD's so keep your eyes peeled!

 

Thanks for  reading!

Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin

Blazer: Level 99 via Anthropologie (old) similar here || 

Button Down: Jcrew(old) similar here || Jeans: Gap Skinny, here || 

Flats: Jcrew Factory, here || Pearls: Jcrew || Watch: Michael Kors || 

Sunnies: Ava Tortie || Bag: Dooney & Bourke Vintage 

{Sunday: my favorite day of the week; the day I always spend quality time with Luke; the day I can make my Jesus time a little bit more intense; the day that I become completely humbled by the blessings in my life)

So, I'm sure I'm not the only gal obsessed with Sunday Funday. Sunday is the day I look forward to most and the day that never disappoints. This past Sunday, Luke and I went to lunch after church and then made our way to the pumpkin patch. I always look forward to doing child-like things with Luke because he really is just a big kid at heart. Anything fall related gets him in his happy place. I can remember when we first started dating the stories he would tell about this search for the great pumpkin that one of the local radio stations puts on in his little hometown. People literally get fired up and go out on a chase for a hidden pumpkin. The location it is hidden changes each year and a clue is given out over the air each day that when pieced together gives the message on where to find the pumpkin. From what I've heard, miss one clue... and you're out. This is also where Luke got his nickname: Charlie. Not just because of the great pumpkin reference, but because Charlie Brown is Luke in cartoon form. {Literally!}

We had the best time that day: petting the farm animals, finding our way through the maze, going on a hayride, and picking out our pumpkins. I really wish I could go back everyday until fall is over because I found my little piece of heaven there. Until next year though, we will have to tide ourselves over with other fall activities. 

What are your favorite fall traditions? 

Luke and I leave early Saturday morning to visit my grandparents. I couldn't be more excited. Sunday we will be having our engagement pictures made and then doing some other wedding arrangements on Monday. I am called "Little Harriette" in my family because I am so much like my Nana, so I'm sure you can gather what a great experience planning a wedding with her assistance has been and will continue to be. Luke and I have been so blessed thus far to relish in the memories and small moments that make engagement so sweet. He does a wonderful job of always keeping me grounded and I couldn't be more grateful for that solid ground. 

Have a happy Friday!!!! It's almost the weekend! 

Leopard in Love

Jacket: Express, love this one || T-shirt: Jcrew || Skirt: Express, similar  

|| Leopard Pumps: Anne Klein, similar here  || Sunnies: Ava Tortie || 

Watch: Michael Kors  || Necklace: Zara, similar || Bag: Louis Vuitton

Leather, stripes, black, and white: MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN! I wore this last Saturday when Luke and I spent the evening with his parents browsing the Titanic museum and shopping for clothes for engagement pictures. I can't really pick a favorite piece, but I guess the stand-out would be the shoes... I found these last week at a re-sale shop in my hometown... 9.99!!! STEAL, right? I have been wanting true leopard pumps for quite some time now and have had my eye on the Jcrew Collection ones... but not looking to pay $300. I found the perfect pair! Leopard is so classic so I know these bargain babies will be in my collection for a long time to come. 

So, real talk... Things have been a little crazy around here lately... Between work, recovering from a stomach bug, and trying to get out of town... I've been pretty MIA. Given the importance of the above, I think we can look the other way just this once. I am incredibly excited to be visiting my family this weekend and having our engagement pictures done. We leave Saturday and will be back Tuesday. Definitely not long enough, but I will just have to make it work for now. 

{Luke & I at the Titanic Museum}

I will be back on schedule here-go forward, so be on the look-out for new posts in the coming days. I hope the week is treating you well! 

P.S.- Go get your flu shot! 'Cause we all no "Ain't Nobody Got Time for that this year!"

P.S.S.- It's breast cancer awareness month, get your pink on and sign up for a Komen Race!

School Boy

There is something so sweet about a classic color story and print like these black and white polka dots.  I'm definitely no stranger to prints, but as I've openly confessed... polka dots are my all-time fave! I snatched this blazer up a few weeks ago from target and am so happy to have it in my collection!!! I struggle with finding things that are work appropriate, but also match my personal style: this blazer made the cut! Not only that, but I can also wear this a million different ways! My pixie pants were a great match, but I could also swap for denim and dress it down even more. My favorite thing about this blazer is that other than the texture of the fabric, it is almost an exact dupe for the Jcrew school boy! I am always on the hunt for budget-friendly pieces and target is always a hot spot for bargains! 

Blazer: Target (sold out), similar || Top: Forever 21  || Pants: Jcrew Pixie || Bag: Louis Vuitton 

|| Flats: Jcrew  || Watch: Michael Kors || Bracelet: Tory Burch (no longer available), similar

This definitely has not been my week. Either through Luke being around teenage germs all day or somehow at the office I came in contact with the worst stomach virus. I have honestly never felt so sick. It's so crazy how it comes and goes though. I'm going to name it the 48 hour hurricane. I am grateful that it is finally over and ready to move on to the weekend. We don't have any crazy plans other than figuring out what we will be wearing for engagement pictures!!! I am so excited to have those coming up the following weekend because we will also be visiting my family and doing pictures in my mother's hometown. It really is one of my favorite places and I think the pictures are going to turn out great. Luke and I really haven't done a ton of planning the last few weeks just because of timing... we really have all the major details ironed out and are waiting to get into the little things like cake and flowers a little closer to time. 

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for reading!

All About Bronze

I've always thought of metallic apparel in the most terrible of ways... You know, like the sweaters your teachers would wear starting in October prepping for Christmas! Crazy blues with snowmen... you get the picture. I've just always considered metallic pieces to be cheap and tacky looking. This sweater changed my mind!!! I remember seeing it pop up on a facebook page for one of my favorite local boutiques and I immediately had to have it!!! The open back and dolman sleeves make this piece one that can be dressed up and down effortlessly and really can be worn anywhere. I opted for something more casual with this look, but merely swapping the boots for a pair of black heels would make it Saturday night dinner date appropriate. 

Sweater: BB Dakota (also comes in silver!!!) || Pants: Jcrew Pixie ||  

Boots: Jcrew, similar || Clutch: (old) similar || Watch: Michael Kors  

|| Earrings: TjMaxx, similar || Bracelet:  (old) similar

How will you be making metallics work in your wardrobe this fall?

Thanks for stopping by!