Liquorice Lines Striped Dress (under $50 / wearing size US 6 for a looser fit/ use code FINAL for 20% off clearance) c/o French Connection || Cognac Crossbody Bag (similar) || Cognac Wedged Sandals (on SALE for only a few more days) || Gorjana Necklace || Kendra Scott Cuff Bracelet || Earrings || Cat Eye Sunglasses
This striped sleeveless dress might look familiar because not only have I posted about it before but I honestly wear it almost every week. My boyfriend says I wear it every day and now kindof despises it but I just can't help it. It's one of those casual, everyday staples that will last a long time because of how well its made. Plus, you can wear it through spring, summer, and fall paired with a denim jacket. The best part is that it is on sale now for atleast $100 less than what it originally was. You can use the code FINAL for another 20% off. This dress is a steal. I wore it this time with my new favorite cognac wedged sandals and a matching & affordable crossbody bag.
I'm actually taking the day off work today to catch up on my to-do list/life in general. I'm still in the process of moving from one apartment to another and I never knew I had so much stuff... I'm trying to not bring over any clutter from the old place.
Hope everyone's week is going great. Don't forget about that good 'ol Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that is still going strong until Sunday. I keep telling myself I'm done with my purchases but then I see things like these earrings and these rain boots.
What:Bevello at Cameron Village is turning 6 and we're celebrating with French Connection this Saturday! You'll get to chat with some brand experts, sip on some drinks, listen to some music by the DJ, and shop through the store with some NC bloggers! You'll also get a free FC make-up bag with any French Connection purchase.
I've talked about French Connection countless times before but if you're new to reading Pretty in the Pines, let me just tell you this is one of my favorite brands. I'll see something on their website and when I finally see it in person, I love it 100x more, mainly for the quality and unique designs. If you're in Raleigh, I would LOVE to see y'all stop by Bevello this Saturday just to say hey. There will be a DJ, photo booth, and good 'ol times with some gal pals.
If you've been a Maid of Honor before, you probably have an idea of all of the work involved in planning pre-wedding events. It's a totally expected responsibility and it's also all worth it!
Contrary to what I thought before, it's actually very possible to throw a bridal shower without breaking the bank and today I am going to share a few tips for throwing a fabulous #SignatureStyle shower. I think its inevitable that one's style and personality reflects through the gift they give, the card they pick out, or the party they host. It's also fun to be able to add a little personal touch to any gift given to a good friend.
Hallmark Signature offers really cute (& stylish) greeting cards for every occasion to help you say what you need to say in style. With wedding season coming up, I stocked up on some of the prettiest #SignatureStyle wedding cards I could find. I personally love picking out a card that shows my personality and taste because you never know... that special person may keep things like that forever (or maybe that is just me!). Plus, it's nice to look back and see the thoughtful notes people gave you.
Now, lets move on to the bridal shower money saving tips!
1. It is important to decide on afew key decorations that will make a big difference in the room. If you're not trying to spend a ton of money, you have to pick and choose. For me, I knew I had to have gold 'Bride' balloons. These helped brighten up a large room and make a quick and easy change for where the bride-to-be would be opening up presents. Plus, I was able to re-use these same balloons for the Bachelorette Weekend.
3. Don't forget about the decor you already have around your house! If you're anything like me, you may have quite the assortment of Homegoods finds in your home such as faux flowers, ginger jars, vases, and more faux flowers. For this shower, I took almost everything on my bar cart and my side tables at home and took them with me to decorate the bridal shower. I sat vases and flowers on tables to serve as centerpieces for where all the guests would eat. It saved more money than I could imagine and it added a touch of signature style throughout the party. When are pink and white flowers ever a bad idea?
4. Chalkboards are everything. There are huge sections in craft stores these days devoted to chalkboards. Chalkboard signs, chalkboard cups, chalkboard labels, chalkboard everything. It is such a simple and beautiful decoration that always looks charming! I found a chalkboard at Marshall's for about $10, chalk pens at the craft store, a few little chalkboard miniature signs and it all added so much to the shower for not a lot of money at all.
5. Host it at someone's house rather than renting a venue. I emailed countless venues to find a reasonable option and I wasn't about to host it in my teensy apartment. Renting a venue for a shower isn't really all that bad but its the FOOD that makes it insane! Luckily, the bride's mom was not too far from most of the attendees so I was more than thankful to be able to have the shower there. If you're in the same situation as I was, think about who all would be willing to open up their home... friends, bridesmaids, the parents, maybe even a clubhouse that doesn't require you to use their food.
6. Split up the food responsibilities with a few others. Food can be a lot of work so it will save a lot of time and money if you plan ahead who is going to contribute what towards the food. You'll want to make sure you cover all the food groups so have a few people be in charge of something totally different!
7.Find some inexpensive games to play! One of my favorite games I could find was Bride Bingo. I created custom-made Bingo cards online with common gift descriptions in each box. For example, I used towels, something that makes her laugh, something the groom would love, plates, etc. It was something fun for the guests to play while they watched the bride open up gifts and it was absolutely free.
So, there are some of my tips for hosting a bridal shower thats both budget-friendly and full of #SignatureStyle. The bridal shower ended up being a success and most importantly, the bride had the best time!
This week will be a long and busy one filled with packing/unpacking for me because I am MOVING! I'm just moving to the other side of town but I am beyond ready for a change in scenery (and to be closer to work... and to have double sinks).
Anyways, let's move on to this outfit. When I saw this damask knit dress, I kindof loved it. It's different than most dresses I typically opt for and a little bit more form-fitting but I liked how it was a knit sweater-y material. The thicker material made me feel super comfortable plus the turquoise hue and ruffle hem sealed the deal. I think it has just enough character to be the perfect date night dress especially worn with these cognac wedged sandals. The Shopping Bag also has a ton of interesting home decor/office items like these dress shaped jewelry holders. You can use the code PRETTYINTHEPINES for 25% off any order from The Shopping Bag. They're also on Twitter,Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Snapchat (@TheShoppingBag).
Also, random question but has anybody tried the restaurant RYE in Raleigh? I ran by it the other day and now am dying to try it out. I love food. Hope y'all have a nice week.
Today is not only awesome because it is almost Friday but tomorrow is also one of my best friend's final dress fittings for her wedding (can't believe it) and tomorrow is the first day the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to those who do not have aNordstrom Card. If you think this is just another big summer sale with half off bikinis and flip-flops, let me correct you. This big #NSALE is when Nordstrom takes a LOT of brand new never before seen fall clothing, shoes, accessories and marks them way down for a limited time before marking them back up to the normal price after the sale. It may be hard to think about buying a pair of riding boots in the middle of July but it's really a great time to invest in some fall staples since they're at such a great price. I remember last year I only bought a pair of earrings and definitely regretted it when fall came around. I already snagged this gorgeous dark green tote that I'll be bringing along everywhere with me in the fall, these pointy toe studded flats for work, and these open toe cognac wedges which will be the perfect transition for summer to fall.
Last week I posted about my favorite part of the #NSALE... the shoes. If you missed it, here are my top picks. The UPS man is bringing me these open toe cognac wedged sandals today and I can't wait to wear them with this matching cognac tote.
You can also click on the image to bring you directly to the product.
Now let's move on to clothing shall we. If I could only wear clothes from Nordstrom's "Trend" section for the rest of my life, I would be okay with that. Everything is so surprisingly affordable and I can't get enough of this pleated hem sweater and the grey felt fedora. Here are a few more of my favorite pieces that are part of the sale:
Incase you missed my recent post including the accessories on sale, they're back! This sale is a good time to buy a watch you've been needing but don't want to pay full-price for or even a nice quality bag. Prepare to see this cognac number on Pretty in the Pines all year long. Well, there you have it, my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale guide for you to peruse all weekend long. The sale will only last until August 2nd so if you're thinking about treating 'yoself, I would do so sooner rather than later.
