Casual Chambray & Grey

Back to Basics

Free People: V-neck Tee || Zella: 'Live-In' Leggings || Madewell: V-neck Tee || New Balance: Sneakers || Nordstrom: Oversized Mock Neck Striped Tee || Daniel Wellington: Leather Strap Watch || Bella Vita: Tall Riding Boots || Nordstrom: 'Victorina' Waterproof Leather Riding Boot || Frye: Riding Boot || Old Navy: Striped Swing Dress || French Connection: Ruffle T-Shirt || 7 For All Mankind: Flare Jeans || MICHAEL Michael Kors: Crossbody Bag || Sam Edelman: Fringed Ankle Bootie

Can y'all believe it is September already?  This month is always my favorite.  I tend to look at September as the start to a new "year" rather than January for some reason.  Maybe its because school starts then or maybe its because my birthday is this month, starting an actual new year for me.  September is also a huge month for fashion which I l o v e. This time of year gets me really excited to start scrolling around my favorite retailers sites, flip through style magazines, and see what new fall trends are at my top stores.  It's easy to want to buy the trendiest fall pieces but this year I'm really trying to stick to the basics. 

Date Night in Damask

Damask Knit Dress c/o The Shopping Bag || Cassie Jewel Embedded Bangle Set c/o The Shopping Bag || Faux Leather Crossbody Bag || Cognac Wedged Sandal

Happy Monday, friends!

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.

xo, Shelby

New Year

Tweed Blazer/Jacket | Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans | Tortoise Shell Keyhole Top (sold out online) | Antonio Melani Chanttel Pumps | Black Handbag or similar 

Well, it is 2015.  You've probably thought about a few goals of yours for the new year and I thought I would write down mine.  It'll be neat to be able to read it a whole year from now and see what I've accomplished.  So, here are a few things I hope to accomplish in 2015:

Show more gratitude for the people I love.

Especially these past few months, I have realized how important my family, friends, and boyfriend are in my life.  I sometimes don't show just how appreciative I am for them but I hope to simply say "I love you" more, spend more quality time with my loved ones, and don't take for granted any moment spent with them.  

Learn more about photography.

I basically just press a button now and know which lens I like to use most often.  I hope to possibly take a photography class and learn more about the settings about what all my camera can do.  My camera can take pretty good photos now so I can only imagine the potential it has once I learn more.  

Eat out less. Cook more.

See ya waffle fries.  It is time I start using my kitchen more often and stop wasting so much money on eating out.  It'll make it a lot easier to stay healthy too.  I'll be healthier, have more money, and gain cooking skills! Maybe I'll post some blog recipes I learn over the year.  

Read more.

Once I went off to college and decided to major in something quite difficult, I felt like I only had time to read books for school.  I want to read more books for fun, maybe before going to bed each night.  My boyfriend has read so many books and he sounds like a dictionary sometimes with the vocabulary he uses.  Reading just makes you smarter and it is interesting so why not?!

Stop stressing over the future and simply enjoy each day.

I have always worried about what I was going to do for my career and what my future held.  If I have learned anything in 2014, it is that you can't always make plans.  I thought I was going to be in dental school by now but this is my last week at my current job and I'll be starting a new job at an amazing pharmaceutical/clinical research company in just 10 days.  I'm still not totally sure what my future holds career-wise but I plan on not worrying so much about that sort of stuff in 2015.  I hope to enjoy each day, meet new people, strengthen my relationships with people I already know and love, be thankful for my health and my family's health, and live stress-free.  

Happy New Year, everyone!

PS. Thanks for reading this little blog I decided to create.  I get really excited when people randomly tell me they enjoy reading it.  Hopefully it has helped you find something cute and affordable to wear or inspired you in other ways.  I plan on posting a lot more great content in the next year!

Shelby

Stripes + Leopard

Striped Long-sleeve Turtleneck: Old Navy; Watch: c/o HandPicked; Black Riding Boots: Ralph Lauren; Sheath Dress: Cynthia Rowley; Infinity Scarf: c/o HandPicked; Messenger Clutch: c/o HandPicked

It has been pretty chilly these last few days, but that shouldn't keep you from wearing one of your favorite casual dresses... all you have to do is layer the right way.  I love the way a turtleneck looks underneath a sleeveless dress.  I definitely wore that when I was 6 years old but it still somehow looks good, at least in my opinion. A few days ago, I mixed all sorts of patterns together to create this layered look.  This black messenger clutch bag from HandPicked is my new favorite bag to bring on-the-go.  It might look small on the outside but it opens up to three HUGE pouches to put all my stuff in.  I took it to an engagement party last weekend and it was perfect for the occasion. Personalize it with your friend's initials and voila! It is definitely a great little Christmas gift that will get a lot of use.  Another wonderful gift idea is a scarf... I am loving this leopard infinity scarf and at $21.00, you can't go wrong.  Head over to HandPicked to check out their amazingly affordable and adorable selection!

XO,
Shelby

Quilted Leather + Blue Coat

Jacket: Old Navy; Scarf: Sole Society (similar); Quilted Leather Skirt: Banana Republic; Bag: H&M; Booties: Sole Society (also found at Marshall's)

I love a good coat for the fall and winter, especially if it's a unique color like this royal blue one from Old Navy for under $60.  Add a leopard scarf and you can't go wrong.  These suede booties and leopard scarf have been closet staples this fall and I've definitely gotten my use out of them.  I actually found these booties at Marshall's (by Vince Camuto) for a lot less than Sole Society's but they're identical.  Anyways, this weekend has been so relaxing and I'm about to start reading "Not That Kind of Girl" by Lena Dunham.  I've heard good things about it so we'll see. One thing I've been wanting to try and improve upon is making time to read more... It's just so nice and calming!  Do y'all have any good book recommendations?

Have a great Sunday!

XO, Shelby 

Cozy in Camel

Camel Poncho; Ralph Lauren Riding Boots; J. Crew Denim; H&M Handbag; Old Navy Striped Turtleneck; Renegade Cluster Bracelet

One of my favorite things to wear in the fall and winter is a poncho... When I think of the word poncho, I think of walking around in the rain at Busch Gardens with a big plastic sheet over my body.  But these days, ponchos have risen to stardom in the fashion world.  You can find endless options of timeless ponchos in all patterns and materials at stores all over.  TJ Maxx has a ton of cute ones but I found a pretty cheap option (and great quality!) at H&M the other day for less than $30.  A favorite way to wear a poncho of mine is layering over a light long-sleeve turtleneck.  It just looks and feels so cozy!

Hope y'all have a wonderful week!

XO, Shelby

Utilizing Gingham

Not-so-basic Basics

Army Green + White