The Best Summer Top

Top: Off-the-Shoulder Floral Islander Top || Jeans: Wide Leg White Trousers (on major sale) || Bag: Coach 'Dinky' Crossbody in Chalk c/o || Necklace: Signature Flower Necklace c/o || Watch: Tan Leather Strap Watch || Lip Color: Lipstick in "syrup" || Shoes: Pointy Toe Pump

Have you ever walked into a store and immediately saw something you just felt like was made for you? It wouldn't feel right if you were to walk out and not get it. It has your colors, your print, your style... everything!  I completely felt that way when I saw this top! The off shoulder detail had me interested but the colors are what really had me loving it. It almost looks watercolored and it's basically my version of the perfect summer top!

The Best Memorial Day Sales!

In case you're wanting to do a little bit of shopping this holiday weekend, I've rounded up some of the best sales going on at some of my favorite retailers! 

Hope y'all have a great long weekend! I hope to spend a good piece of it on the lake and eating cookout food!

XO, Shelby

The Best Memorial Day Weekend Sales

Ann Taylor || 50% off Full-Price Purchase + Extra 40% off Sale Styles w/ code: SUMMER50

ASOS || Extra 20% off w/ code: HISUMMER

Banana Republic || Extra 40% off w/ code: BRTAKE40

J. Crew || 30% off your purchase w/ code: WEEKEND

LOFT || 60% off Summer Faves & all Sale Styles

Nordstrom || Up to 40% off

Happy Shopping!

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Blog Tips: Staying Organized

If you already have a blog of your own where you post fairly regularly, you know how difficult it can be to stay organized, especially if you have a full-time job on top of that. By the way, check out a blogging Q&A interview I did recently for Bond Twenty right here! I still have a long way to go when it comes to organization but I've also come a very long way since I first created my blog. Now that wedding planning has started, I don't really have a choice but to get my booty in gear and schedule things out! I figured I would share the strategies that have worked for me so far and please share some of your own in the comments! Blogging is a never-ending learning curve and every single day I learn something new. 

Shifting Things

Dress: Navy Shift Dress (almost sold out); Other Option (under $100!) || Shoes: White Ankle Strap Pointy Toe Pumps || Scarf: Washed Floral Scarf || Bag: Poverty Flats by rian c/o || Watch: 'Tailor' Multifunctional Watch

Wedding Brunch Styled By Whiskey & White Events

Photos by Blue Barn Photography

Last August, TJ and I had the fun opportunity to be a part of a styled wedding brunch shoot with Emily from Whiskey & White Events which was featured on Inspired By This yesterday! We had never been a part of something like this before and it ended up being so much fun. One of my favorite things that Pretty in the Pines has brought to my life since starting it back in summer of 2014 has been having the opportunities to meet so many creative and talented people around this area that I would not have met otherwise. Take a look through these gorgeous photos by Rachel at Blue Barn to get inspired for a bright and bubbly summer brunch! Warning: There are a lot of photos because I couldn't choose favorites! Too many good ones and I love everything brunch-related so here ya go:

Lilac Midi Dress for Spring & Summer

Dress: Lilac Sleeveless Cross-front Midi Dress || Shoes: Pointy Toe Pump || Bag: Crossbody (similar); less $ option here (under $25) || Lipstick: MAC in 'Syrup' || Watch: Tailor Multifunction Light Tan Leather Watch || Earrings: Flora Chandeliers

Two Colors That Will Never Get Old

Navy and white seem to be two of the most classic colors that never go out of style. Whenever I purchase anything in those two colors, I always know I'll get my money's worth. This time of year in particular also seems very navy-and-white appropriate with summer right around the corner! Two of my latest finds include these high waisted navy shorts and this pretty crisp white blazer.... pair them with some cute frames from here and you'll be looking classy & fresh as can be in no time! 

Smile More, Complain Less

Life is short. Have fun and live positively. That is the idea behind Smile More, Complain Less, an organization that was recently started by my cousin, Emily, and her husband, Patrick. A couple months ago, our family lost a very incredible person, Nick (Emily's little brother), who had the most positive outlook on life we had ever seen. Behind his sweet smile and signature laugh, he was fighting a hard battle against cancer after being diagnosed when he was 25 (you can read more here). Throughout the entire journey, he never complained and always just kept smiling and lifting others up. He left us all wanting to live more like he did. 

Midweek Business Chic: Vol. 3

I'm back with another midweek business chic look since we're halfway to Friday! I hope y'all are having a great week. One little thing that makes my work days significantly better is having a couple chic workwear staples, like this striped pencil skirt and this tank. I love how I can wear them both with an enormous selection of skirts and tops and although they are pricey, they will definitely be worn enough times to make it worth it! 

What to Wear to: A Beyoncé Concert

Last week I was surprised with last minute tickets to the Beyoncé concert in Raleigh and it was the best night! My fiancé knows how much I love her so he got some tickets the day of the concert and then I decided to get one for my little sister since it was her birthday. I had seen Beyoncé once before about 6 years ago and that night was honestly one of my most favorite nights! I've been a huge fan ever since the Destiny's Child days and each time I see her, I am reminded of how freaking amazing she is. Since her tour just started not too long ago, I wanted to share some tips on what to wear incase any of y'all have plans to see her this summer! 

Best Margaritas and Queso in Raleigh

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I'm introducing y'all to some of my favorite local Mexican restaurants. This idea came to mind about 3 weeks ago and I questioned whether or not it could be possible to visit 6-8 local mexican restaurants before Cinco de Mayo. The goal was to find the best margarita and the best queso (and salsa) in all of Raleigh and that is how the First Annual (and only! for the sake of my arteries) Margarita & Queso Awards of Raleigh was born. Towards the end, we kindof started to get tired of margaritas which I never thought would be possible but hey, it can happen.

Favorite Things To Do in Hilton Head in 48 Hours

Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite places to go for a relaxing mini vacation. It has everything you need - good food, live music, pretty beaches, shopping, outdoor sports, and much more. It doesn't have too much which is what I need when I crave relaxation rather than a crazy weekend. We were so excited to be able to spend last weekend there with two of our friends and I wanted to share a list of my personal favorite places to eat and things to do for those of you who might be planning a trip there soon. 

Latest Favorite Swimsuit Finds (and they're not bikinis!)

I spent the weekend in one of my favorite peaceful islands, Hilton Head. Hilton Head is one of the first vacation spots that TJ and I visited together so it has always been a special place to both of us. I'll get into more weekend details later on but today I wanted to share with y'all two of my latest swimsuit purchases. They happen to both be one-pieces which I've been loving lately.