Marble on my Mind

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Yay for it almost being Friday!

 I've really been into marble lately and I don't know where this obsession came from.  I guess it is the neutral shades mixed with the clean looking, fresh pattern of marble swirls.  It also makes me think of the Marble Slab Creamery or Cold Stone and now I can't stop thinking about ice-cream.  I stumbled upon some marble balls in Target the other day and decided to dedicate an entire post on this newfound love of mine.  I will definitely be needing this pandora charm to add to my bracelet and possibly this kitchen pastry slab to use in the kitchen.  White and grey marble is just gorgeous in my opinion and always looks bright and crisp.  Oh and how about this marble print scarf that is only $8.90?! Perfect for transitioning into spring.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and DRIVE SAFE with the snow/ice.  I had a scary experience yesterday with my brakes not stopping and I am so thankful I'm okay.  Drive slow and carefully if you have to.

xo Shelby

Maxxinista

Beige Suede Boots (on sale) | White Denim Pants | Textured Topper Jacket | Blouse (old from TJ Maxx), similar  | Kendra Scott 'Danielle' Earrings (these go with everything) | Clutch | lip color: 'Please Me' by MAC

I've written on here before about my love for Marshalls, Homegoods, and TJ Maxx, so it is no surprise that I'm back with another 'maxxinista' find.  Did you know you could shop TJ Maxx online? Life changing.  Luckily, I live close to multiple TJ Maxx's so I have not yet had the chance to shop online but where else can you buy workout clothes that are SO cheap, work-appropriate blouses that you can't find anywhere else, or adorable home decor pieces that are at the lowest price.  Anyways, this jacket/coat/topper thing that I found the other day on my lunch break is one of my favorite finds.  It is a pretty thin piece of clothing but perfect for the upcoming transition weather into spring and it is also a good layering coat for winter!  I can't wait to wear it over a spring dress when it gets warmer.  I also found one of my favorite lip colors that I haven't worn in a while... it is called 'Please Me' by MAC. It's a gorgeous, brighter pink color that still looks pretty natural.

Also, where did this snow yesterday come from? That was a surprise. It was pretty though and let me stay home for a while so that was nice.  Here comes another round of it tonight supposedly.  

xo, Shelby

Similar Style Topper Options:

Bags on a Budget

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Last week I posted about some of my favorite handbags for spring and although they were all so beautiful, it isn't always practical to spend hundreds of dollars on a new handbag for the season...  depending on your budget. Luckily, there are so many more affordable and quality options available these days.  One of my absolute favorites is this Sole Society Dome Satchel for under $60.  Last fall, I ordered this exact bag in dark green and I can say that you would not be disappointed in the structure and quality.  Another I can attest to would be this H&M bag that I have in black and wear in approximately 100% of these photos.  It now comes in light grey and powder pink (love).  I can't believe how many compliments I've received on a $40 bag... it is the best.

Speaking of budgets, I've cancelled my gym membership that I have had for a long time.  Instead, I've been using Kayla Itsines guides and am currently on week 2.  It is intense but so far, I love it.  I can't wait to see results (hopefully) and let you all know how it goes.

I hope everyone has a great week.  I'm finally getting "certified" at my new job and am excited but a little nervous.  Someone flies down from our client's headquarters (a big pharmaceutical company) and basically listens/watches you for two days to make sure you know everything.  It's going to be an interesting week.

XO,

Shelby

The Pink Skirt

Pink Midi Scuba Skirt (also love this one) | Turtleneck Shirt | Kendra Scott Kiri Necklace | Shoes from TJ Maxx (similar here, here, here) | Clutch | Estee Lauder Lip Color in 'Rose Tea' 

I can't get enough of midi skirts lately... they are just so timeless and fun! I paired my Pink Midi Scuba Skirt (FYI this is $16 now) with some grey pieces to make a soft-colored, more neutral outfit.  I am SO glad it is Friday finally... this week has felt longer than usual and I think it has been the cold and snowy weather.  Spring is almost here which also means baseball is just around the corner.  This weekend, we'll be celebrating my boyfriend's best friend's baseball journey as he leaves to go to spring training.  We're going to one of our favorite spots in Raleigh (Cloud's Brewing) and I can't wait.  

I've linked some pretty cute midi skirts down below incase you've been thinking about getting one. The BEST place to find them though is Chicwish- such a huge variety of pretty prints! Hope you all have a happy friday and a wonderful weekend.

"Work" It

Tan Blazer (under $35!) | White Neck Tie Blouse | Earrings | Handbag | Riding Boots | Lip Color in 'Rose Tea' | Pants (mine are an older season) or similar | sunglasses | Nail Color

I love a 'comfortable but not too casual' work outfit and this one is one of my favorites.  This blazer is also one of my absolute favorite finds because it goes with so many different outfits and you simply can't beat the price.  I'll be wearing mine all through spring too.  Another great work staple is a white blouse, specifically this White Neck Tie Blouse. The big tie/bow adds a little something extra to make the outfit much more exciting. Add a neutral lip color like Estee Lauder's 'Rose Tea' and you'll be ready to tackle the work day.  I hope everyone had a nice snow day (if you were able to have one... I had a partial snow day).  On a different note, my boyfriend, TJ, has discovered the best home-made macaroni and cheese recipe using greek yogurt.  I am not lying when I say it is the best I have ever had.  I am trying to convince him to start writing recipes in the "recipe" section on here. :)

Have a great day!
Shelby

Is It Spring Yet?

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I keep thinking spring is just around the corner but then I look at the weather forecast and am proved SO wrong.  This upcoming week in NC is going to be a chilly and icy one (...sorry if you're from the Northeast but we're not totally used to it).  To make the cold a little more bearable, I tend to think about the warmer days ahead. This spring/summer is going to be the busiest yet but I am very much looking forward to it. One thing I really enjoy looking at way ahead of seasons is a good handbag collection.  I love looking to see what colors will be in style even though it may be months away.  I've compiled some of my favorite ones above and all of these can be found at Nordstrom.  I am also loving this blush color I seem to be seeing everywhere.   What do you think about it?

XOX,
Shelby

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Heart Banner (second option) | Cupcake Glass Jar | Black Picture Frames (similar) | Gold Sunburst Wall Mirror (similar) | Floral Balls (love these)

Happy Valentine's Day! Over the years, I have grown to like Valentine's Day more each year.  I think it is what you make it.  If you want to think of it as a materialistic, "Hallmark" created holiday, that's fine.  I like to look at it as a time where you can have a whole day to spend time with just you and your significant other, with no distractions of other people.  Although there are several times to do this throughout the year, I especially look forward to Valentine's Day.  Everyone's lives get really busy and it is nice to have a special day to be alone.  Tonight, TJ and I are planning on staying home and cooking steak, roasted potatoes, and asparagus while watching some of our favorite tv shows on hulu.  If you're a single lady (or not), then Valentine's day can still be really fun!  Throw a 'Gal'entine's Day party and invite some girlfriends over for wine.  This past Monday, I had some friends over for the best 'Gal'entines celebration.  I filled the bar-cart drink dispenser with pink lemonade, served wine and other sweet treats, and decorated the apartment with some really cute decorations.  Everyone brought their own dish and it was wonderful.  I even sprinkled pink rose petals on my doormat as a festive welcome.  It was a great time with great gal pals.  

Oh, and today is my parent's 30th anniversary! How happy. I love them.  

Hope you all enjoy the weekend.


XOX,
Shelby

The Most Efficient Way to Update Furniture

I know Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has been around for years but somehow I just recently discovered this crafty treasure.  I like to get stuff done as efficiently as possible, and with no sanding or priming required, this is my kind of paint.  I decided to try it out on a shelf I keep in my bathroom.  I was going for a color that would brighten up the room and make it more clean looking, fresh feeling, and happy.  I decided to go with "Paris Grey", a light grey neutral shade that seems to also be one of the more popular Annie Sloan paint colors after perusing through pinterest.  (Funny story: My older sister who lives in Richmond texted me a picture that night of her husband drinking a blue moon and painting with Paris Grey chalk paint... meanwhile, my boyfriend was drinking a blue moon and painting with Paris Grey chalk paint.  How strange.

FYI- *This brand of paint can only be found at independent small retailers so check their website for your closest location.  I frolicked down the paint aisle at Lowe's to end up disappointed when I found out they didn't carry it.  So, off I went to a tiny little antique shop in downtown Apex, NC.  I picked up my paint from Two Old Birds which ended up having the nicest woman ever working there!  They also offer workshops to teach you skills and secrets to the paint, like layering different colors and distressing.  

Here are the steps I took:

1. Wipe down your piece of furniture with a wet rag to remove all of the dust/etc. 

2. Get to painting! Yeah, that is right.  You can go ahead and start painting... No priming, sanding, anything.

Here is a "before" photo or should I say a "when I remembered to take a before" photo.

Oh yeah, I also decided to paint my nightstands because it was just so fun.

3.  Let paint dry and then apply the Soft Clear Wax.  The paint dries within 30 minutes.  I would also suggest applying two coats of paint before using the wax.  I just used an old t-shirt and cut it into small pieces.  Be sure to wipe in a circular motion and then quickly wax off.  Just use a different t-shirt rag to wax off.  Waxing on/Waxing off should happen within 5 minutes of eachother.

4.  Optional- This is the part where you can "distress" your furniture if you want to.  I chose to just distress it a little bit by using sand paper on the edges and a couple areas on the top and sides.  

And there you have it, the most efficient way to give your furniture an upgrade.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you have used Annie Sloan paint yourself!

Shelby

  

Two Closet Staples

Violet Midi Skirt | Gingham Shirt | White Python-Embossed Leather Clutch | Necklace (similar) | Leopard Pumps with Ankle Strap | Estee Lauder Lipstick in 'Rose Tea' | Watch (Handpicked)

It is the start to a new month so I figured now would be a good time to write a new post since it has been a while.  Starting a new job has taken up a lot of my time just getting adjusted to all of the changes.  I'm loving it though! Anyways, today I wanted to talk about two of my favorite pieces in my closet, or "staples" I should say.  First, the gingham button-down shirt.  I can't tell you how many times I've worn this gingham shirt and every time it has been with a completely different outfit.  Today, I've chosen to dress it up with a contrasting midi skirt.  The versatility is great and it goes with every season.  Secondly, the leopard pumps! These shoes are also extremely versatile... with neutral colors, they go with just about anything.  The great thing about these pieces is how much use you can get out of them.  This would be a great outfit to wear to church, a bridal shower, or any other daytime endeavor you might have!  

I hope everyone has a great week! I'm really excited because The Blacklist has started back.  Oh, and how about MISSY ELLIOTT last night?! That was so great. These sharks were also great.   

XO, Shelby