sale, sale, sale

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Just in case you haven't heard, Shopbop is having a 30% off sale.  The sale started yesterday, and it goes through tomorrow, so I thought I would make things easy on you and share my picks.  Hurry on over and scoop up these deals while they last.  Maybe grab yourself an early Christmas present or two. I definitely have my eye on those Rebecca Minkoff heels, that blazer, and those perfect PJs...

AND, because one is never enough:

• C. Wonder is having an extra 30% off sale until November 11.  I think I need these for my table, this for some fun, and this for cozy Saturdays.
• JCrew is an extra 30% off sale with code LOVEFALL.  I'm loving this dress, this blouse, this adorable wrap skirt, and this sweater with a touch of tweed.
• The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids is going on now with up to 40% off. Snag this sweater, this dress, these flats, and this crossbody bag. 

Happy Shopping!

xo,

friday finds: white jeans

Hello again!  We have officially moved to Florida, and we are loving getting caught up with family and friends here.  It has been a crazy time of transition (with more to come as we await our move into our own house in a few weeks) but we are doing well.

One of my favorite things about living in Florida (well, maybe favorite is an exaggeration, but something I am very excited about) is that wearing white pants outside of the traditional "Memorial Day to Labor Day" timeframe is completely acceptable.  The climate here allows for breaking the traditional rules, so white jeans are in heavy rotation through most of the spring and summer.  Whether you are in the Florida heat and humidity or you are anxiously awaiting Memorial Day to bust out your white skinnies, here are a few of my favorite pairs of white jeans for your shopping inspiration.  

jcrew toothpick

jcrew matchstick

JCrew makes some of my absolute FAVORITE white jeans.  I usually prefer the matchstick because they are a little less form fitting than the toothpick but they are still fitted enough to look polished.  I also love the cropped look...remember, showing your ankle makes your legs look longer.  I literally live in mine and I am considering getting an extra pair for back up.

marrakesh flare

I love a flared white jean with wedges or open toed sandals for summer nights.  This is my classic and "go to" look for dinners out or times when I want to look pulled together in the summer heat.  Add a cute top and a pop of bright nail polish on your toes and you are set.

james jeans straight leg

Finally, the straight leg jean.  I think this is a classic style that everyone should have in their closet.  I generally keep straight leg cuts longer to wear with heels (a straight leg with flats looks a little frumpy on me) but you could go either way.  This is a jean that will endure as different cuts and trends come and go.  Find a pair you love and be extra careful about ketchup at your memorial day BBQ!

xo,

a weekend away

Hello!  First of all, thank you for bearing with me during my week of radio silence.  Exams are over, and now only one more paper stands between me and graduation.  CRAZY!

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted that I was dreaming of vacation?  Well, that very same day, Josh and I got a phone call offering us a weekend get-away in Charlottesville, Virginia.  While the timing didn't seem ideal (it was the weekend before my two exams), it turned out to be the perfect pre-exams treat. The weekend was a mix of relaxation and activity, and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful trip.  As fair warning, there are LOTS of pictures in this post...the weekend had so many highlights and our hotel grounds were absolutely beautiful... I just couldn't help myself!

keswick hall

view from our room

rainy day by the pool

molton brown toiletries...my favorite!

Friday evening, Josh and I attended a dinner and program at Monticello.  This was the primary reason for our last minute trip, and it was an incredible experience.  After cocktails and dinner, with Monticello as our backdrop, we heard from John Meacham, the author of "The Art of Power," a new book about Thomas Jefferson.  It was a beautiful evening and an experience that neither of us will soon forget.

monticello in the rain 

 in front of monticello in the rain...we were the ONLY people taking pictures, so I think the fact that we stood in the rain in black tie for a picture earned us a few raised eyebrows and chuckles. 

tent on the lawn

centerpieces at dinner

placecard

beautiful water colored program cover 

a quick shot inside monticello after dinner...little did we know there was an entire bus of people 40 years our senior waiting for us while we explored the house...oops!

Saturday, the rain storm passed, and Josh and I spent the day relaxing and exploring our hotel.  Keswick Hall is an old manor home that has been converted into a hotel and club.  The hotel keeps bikes for guests to use while exploring the hotel, and we made good use of this amenity.  After a quick breakfast, Josh and I grabbed some bikes and went on what the hotel dubbed the "Ultimate Scenic Tour."  While it was a little more strenuous than we anticipated (hello hills of Central Virginia), it was the perfect way to enjoy an absolutely beautiful morning.

bikes

view of keswick hall with momma duck and ducklings in the foreground

sampling of the beautiful flowers that were blooming EVERYWHERE

stopping for a quick rest 

After our bike tour, we headed into Charlottesville to grab sandwiches at Josh's favorite...Bellaire Market.  We ran into multiple friends (very randomly) while we were there so we felt like we had found the local "hot spot."  We ate a very light lunch because as soon as we got back to the hotel, Josh humored me with afternoon tea.  One of my very FAVORITE things about traveling in Europe is the tradition of having tea.  When I found out Keswick Hall served an afternoon tea on Saturdays, we signed up immediately. 

tea snacks

devonshire cream, jam, lemon curd for our tea snacks

tea time

josh REALLY humoring me here...tea time and photographic evidence!

After recovering from our food coma, we headed into downtown Charlottesville for dinner.  Charlottesville has an area downtown called the Pedestrian Mall, and it was packed with people enjoying the relatively warm night, a concert, and a market of local artisans.  We found a small restaurant called Bizou and completed our day of eating, eating and eating.

shrimp and grits

Sunday morning we met up with Josh's fraternity brother D.G. and his wife Chelsea.  We grabbed bagels at Bodo's and enjoyed the chance to catch up.  We hit the road early since I had finals looming, AND, I really wanted time to stop by the J Crew Clearance store in Lynchburg.  I had only heard rumors of the store until last Sunday, and I am so glad we stopped to confirm them!  The J Crew Clearance store is not a factory or an outlet store.  It is one of a few places in the country that J Crew sends actual items and sells them at a deep discount.  I'm talking skinny jeans for $35 plus an additional 35% off for the spring sale, and an extra 15% off with my student discount.  If you are ever near Lynchburg, it is well worth the few minute drive off the highway to check this place out. 

amazing

we found kelsey and edward there as well...AND, this picture should actually be titled 3L year- kelsey had an exam the next morning and mine was 36 hours later...our 1L selves would be so proud.  

my loot...3 shirts, 2 colored denim pants, jewelry and 1 pair of blue suede shoes

While I must admit I was a little nervous to take this impromptu trip, being on the "other side" of those finals I can say I am so glad we did.  We have lots of change and transitions coming up, along with lots more studying for the bar this summer, and this weekend away was the perfect re-charge.  

Thanks for bearing with me through a long post and lots of catch ups.  I hope you all had a wonderful week and a relaxing weekend!

xo,

friday finds help

Happy Friday!  I need your help for today's friday finds.   I am on the hunt for a "work dress" and hoping you all can help me find one!  I know "work dress" is an ambiguous term and can completely depend on the industry, so here are more specifics about what I am looking for:

Black, Navy, or Gray

Structured fabric (I am thinking "suiting" fabric)

Preferably with sleeves

Reasonable price range (less than $150)

Here are a few images for inspiration:

jcrew

jcrew

ann taylor

theory

Work your magic ladies.  I know you are all extremely stylish and on top of where to get a great deal.  If you have a source for a good work dress PLEASE leave me a comment or send me an email...I am desperate!  Happy Friday and hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

christmas music and candles + outfit links

Good Morning! When I was thinking about today's post, coming up with things I am thankful for was easy.  The hard part was narrowing it down!  I think it has something to do with coming out of the fog of finals and enjoying all the little things in life I haven't been recognizing in the midst of papers and books.  So, today, here are the two "little" things that are making me immensely thankful.

1. Listening to Christmas Music- with words!  I have been listening to "Classical Christmas" on Pandora for weeks while I have been studying so actually hearing the words to my favorite songs is so fun.  My all time favorite, Faith Hill's "O Holy Night" has been on repeat!  Here are my picks of the season... do you have any favorites I should check out?

2. Burning my Frasier Fir candle- and not feeling out of season!  This is my favorite smell and I literally burn it in my house year-round.  BUT, for about 30 days of the year, burning it makes sense and we are smack dab in the middle of those days.  Go pick up one (or three) today... I promise you'll love it and you might even burn it into the new year!

Finally, thank you so much for the great response to yesterday's post!  I am glad so many of you enjoyed the outfit inspirations and by request I have included links to the items below.  I would love to know your favorites and what you all decide on this season!

sweater // pants // trench
flats // bag // studs // necklace

necklace // pants // sweater (sold out) similar here and here
shoes // bag (color sold out) other colors here

dress // bracelet // shoes // studs

pjs // scarf // robe // slippers // mug

dress // clutch // earrings // shoes // watch // bracelet

Also, as a reminder, please consider "following" my blog by clicking the "Join this site" button on the right.  Thanks!

xo,

christmas outfits

Good Morning!  Now that finals have ended and I am starting to think about wearing something other than workout clothes, I have put together a few outfit inspirations for the Christmas season.  I love feeling pulled together over the holidays and as you can see, I tend to favor neutrals with pops of color and gold.  Something about this combination always makes me feel classic and ready for anything occasion!

Many of us travel at some point over Christmas, and I think there is a fine art to traveling in comfort yet still arriving at your destination looking pulled together.  A simple base like leggings and a cream sweater will help with comfort, while a classic trench coat makes you look chic and styled.  Add a bright shoe, a bag large enough to fit your carry-on items, and some simple jewelry to complete the look.

For Christmas shopping, the most important thing to balance is comfort and style.  Stores are crowded and shopping this time of year can be a marathon, so flats are a KEY part of any outfit.  I also like to shop with a large shoulder bag...for smaller purchases just throw them in and then you don't have to carry all those shopping bags!

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite Christmas occasions.  Whether you are eating with family, celebrating with friends, or signing "Silent Night" at a midnight church service, there is something magical about Christmas Eve.  I love this dress paired with a great pair of red pumps.  Keep the jewelry simple with this one so you don't take away from the embellishment of the dress- a pair of simple studs and your grandmother's charm bracelet should do the trick!

Christmas morning is all about being cozy but picture ready!  Without fail my mom takes a picture on Christmas morning that is her all time favorite and it is displayed proudly in a frame, bedhead and all, for the world to see.  These pjs are perfect- festive and more camera worthy than your old tshirt and flannel pajama pants.  Pair them with a warm scarf, cozy slippers and a robe and you will be camera ready all morning long.  AND don't forget your big cup of coffee to complete the look!

Whether you have cocktails with work colleagues, cocktails on Christmas night, or at any other point during the season, a fun red dress will make you feel festive!  I love this one from JCrew factory- on sale now!  Pair it with fun earrings, a bold watch, and a neutral shoe to be a shop stopper.  I also love the classic look of a navy clutch to complete the outfit- refined and not too over the top!

Do you have any favorite outfits or pieces this Christmas season?  

Also, as a reminder, please consider "following" my blog by clicking the "Join this site" button on the right.  Thanks!

xo,