A Quick Trip to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Dress: Bell Sleeve Woven Shift Dress (Sale Price: $31.90; Price after August 8: $48 ) || Booties: Rudie Studded Fringe Bootie (Sale Price: $99.90; Price after August 8: $170)

Over the past few years, I've grown to be an avid Nordstrom Anniversary Sale shopper. There isn't any other sale of its kind in the way it offers brand new fall merchandise at marked down prices before fall even starts. Yesterday was the first day the sale was open to cardholders so I took a quick trip after work to see what it had in store for us this year (literally). It was SO good! I didn't expect to buy a ton last night but I did want to get an overall feel for what I might buy online in the coming days/weeks. You can bet I went home with these fringe booties though and plan on wearing them all fall & winter long! 

Wear Now and Later

Today I'm sharing a couple looks featuring J. McLaughlin's new Wear Now collection, inspired by high quality and timeless pieces that'll take you from cool summer nights to those breezy fall mornings. With how fast time flies, it'll be fall before you know it and I don't know about you but I've recently been going through my closet and seeing what I need/don't need/etc. One thing that every girl should have in her closet: a sweater that will last!

Get the look:

Sweater: Bora Sweater c/o || Pants: 'Jamie' High Waist Skinny Jeans || Hat: Straw Fedora || Scarf: Reese Striped Scarf c/o || Shoes: White Wedges || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Watch: Classic York 36mm c/o

Winter White and Mint

It's Monday and since the weather has been rather dreary and cold lately, I wanted to brighten up things with a spring-inspired winter outfit.  I adore anything that reminds me of spring but with this mint one-button blazer,wide-leg white denim, and the perfect grey infinity scarf, you get the best of both worlds.  I also have to introduce you to a new unique and fabulous jewelry brand based in Denver. These Raven and Riley earrings are my new favorites and I love how they're gorgeous and neutral enough to wear with anything! For 20% off, use the code FIRSTORDER20!

Hello 2016

For New Years Eve, I typically choose an outfit that makes a statement and says, "Hello, 2016!", unless it was like NYE 2014 when I sat on the couch and finished the series of LOST.  Anyways, last week, I wore this stunning Cynthia Rowley Woodland Dress found only at Rent the Runway. I had my eye on this dress for a long time but never really had the perfect occasion for it.  Luckily, this year, we were able to attend a fancy New Years Eve bash at the Merrimon Wynne house in downtown Raleigh.  It paired perfectly with my all-time fave navy blue faux fur scarf! I also just realized every outfit I have worn lately is blue. Not surprised.

Carolina Sky Blue Sweater

The weather lately has been both strange and perfect... almost 80 degrees and it is almost January?!  A few weeks ago, I found this blue v-neck knit sweater in the most gorgeous shade of blue that quickly reminded me of carolina skies.  It also comes in grey and pink but I naturally gravitated toward the pretty blue option! This sweater is the perfect choice for a casual weekend full of running errands or just relaxing.  This past weekend I wore it with my comfy light grey slip-on sneakers for the ultimate weekend outfit. 

Fall Blues

I've always been a fan of florals but this specific floral print is the prettiest I've ever seen! Not only does it come in a blouse version as pictured in this post, but there is a dress and a scarf too.  I went for an all blue look paired with some grey over the knee boots and accessories. 

Spots

If I could recommend one good pair of pants that every woman should have in their closet... it would be these black highwaisted ones! They are definitely on the pricey side but I can see myself wearing these probably once a week to work or even out to dinner with friends.

Coat Season

It's almost Thanksgiving and I cannot believe it.  This entire year has flown by way too fast.  On the bright side, my coat closet has accumulated quite the collection of fall and winter coats over this year and last.  I just can't help myself with them! Having some good choices of coats makes cold weather not so bad at all. Thanks to Bernardo Outerwear, this one added a little pop of color in my black and white ensemble the other week. 

Outfit Essentials + 25% Off Code

Lately, I've been finding myself wearing a little bit less color than usual and to be honest, it hasn't made me feel any less "colorful" at all! Have y'all taken a moment to soak in the gorgeous colors of fall?  The leaves are at their peak and everywhere I look, I'm reminded of how beautiful the season is.  I've also found a few black staples that I have had on repeat in my closet, especially these perfect black booties, the timeless tweed skirt, and the everyday turtleneck. 

Farewell Fitting Rooms

The older I get, the less I enjoy going to the mall and trying on clothes.  I would rather spend my precious (and limited) weekend time doing fun things outside or spending time with my boyfriend, pup, friends, and family! Luckily, there is this new thing called Lyon + Post which solves that problem so easily! 

Parlor Blow Dry Bar

A couple weeks ago, I finally was able to try out Parlor Blow Dry Bar.  I met up with a few blogger friends in the Raleigh Blog Society for blow outs and dinner and it was the perfect way to relax after a long day of work.  Plus, I woke up the next day with my hair already nice and voluminous! 

image via

I went for a hair style that was close to my typical look - curled, down, and as full as possible.  As my hair has gotten longer, it has been more difficult to achieve that "full and volumized" look.  If anybody has any hair stylist recommendations, please share them in the comments as I am in desperate need of a cut!

I absolutely loved the atmosphere at Parlor.  I've been in there once before, but only to attend a braiding class.  This time, they gave me a nice glass of wine, washed my hair, and completely styled it for a really good price.  I'd highly suggest this as a girl's night or weekend idea.  The stylists were all so sweet too and made the experience fabulous!

I've always been the customer to ask 100 questions about the products they use and this time was no exception.  I was educated each step of the way and learned several tricks and tips on how to (try to) achieve the look at home! All of the products at Parlor are Bumble and Bumble and my favorite product would have to be the Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray!

Isn't Kate from Sara Kate Styling adorable?  I loved how her hair turned out.  

We ended the night at Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar on Glenwood in Raleigh and the food was delicious.  After the assortment of appetizers we ordered (hush puppies, crab dip, wings), I attempted to be healthy and order a caesar salad with blackened salmon on top.  It was so delicious. 

Thank you Parlor Blow Dry Bar and  Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar for having us that night! 

Left to Right: Angela of Head to Toe Chic | Maddie of Raleigh Revealed |

Kate from Sara Kate Styling | me | Meghan of Champagne & Suburbs

Wrapped Up in Plaid

Happy November, friends! I'm not sure how that happened so quickly but I am really excited to see what November has in store this year.  I stumbled upon this plaid coat the other day while running errands and the colors had me sold immediately.   

Sweater of the Season

I've officially found my perfect sweater for the upcoming seasons and I couldn't believe the price tag!   The quality of this beautiful blue cable knit turtleneck sweater is really impressive for just $23.  The rich color of the blue goes well with SO many things in my closet and I decided to wear it with white denim last weekend for a simple yet put together look. 

Floral Fall Dress

I love neutral colored clothing this time of year but I still always have a very hard time saying no to anything that is floral and in "my colors".  Anything that incorporates shades of pinks, blues, and greens has me naturally attracted to it no matter what time of year it is.  When I saw this floral v-neck dress, I knew the first thing I would wear it with would be my grey over-the-knee faux suede boots (which by the way are only $45). 

Accessorizing in Autumn

Well, it is officially poncho season in my book.  Yesterday's cool temps had me pulling out my favorite poncho and striped turtleneck to keep warm! Sometimes a big huge cozy poncho needs a little something to make it less bland though and this beaded tassel necklace by Sylvia Benson was the perfect addition! 

Oversized Chic Cardigan

I've been a huge fan of over-the-knee boots for a long, long time.  The only problem I had was that most of them were so over-priced.  When I saw these suede OTK boots were under $45, I couldn't resist.  I picked them out to complete an outfit I was planning for a French Connection + Belk event last week which I will share more details about next week.  My goal was to put together an outfit with this gorgeous oversized wool cardigan. 

How To Wear White After Summer

GNO at Belk with French Connection

Mark your calendars for this Thursday, October 8th! Join me for a Girl's Night Out at Belk in Crabtree Valley Mall with French Connection, Zelle (Southern Style), and Emily (Life with Emily).  There will be wine, a DJ, and more! The event will be from 5-9pm so feel free to stop by for as little or as long as you want for some girl time!

Pretty in Plaid

I've always been drawn to plaid and checkered patterns for some reason.  I think its because I associate the classic pattern with fall and winter, which makes me think of the holidays, which makes me think of home and family.  Anybody else?  This green plaid turtleneck dress sortof reminds me of a wrapped up Christmas gift! Anyways, I absolutely love it. 

Business Casual + Giveaway

This burgundy wool blend blazer is probably one of my top favorite things in my closet currently.  These pictures don't even don't even compare to how classic and sophisticated it looks in person.  It is the perfect blazer to dress down with some boyfriend jeans or dress up on a day at work with a pencil skirt.