The Spring & Summer Pants You'll Want

If I had to design my perfect pair of pants, these would be it.  Palm leaf print, shades of blues, greens, and white, comfortable and free flowing, wide leg and high-waisted, ties at the waist... they are literally perfect. I first saw these wide-leg pants at a fashion show a couple weeks ago at Bevello in Cameron Village and I knew I had to have them! I love how this ruffle trim off shoulder top looks against the shades of the print! They're pretty long but were the prime length for my favorite wedges.  

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. 

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!

Casual Classic Stripes

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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.

xo, Shelby

SHOP THE POST:

SHOP NORDSTROM'S SALE:

Suede + Tweed

French Connection + Bevello

Wide Leg Chambray Pants (less than $30 & size small for reference) || Striped Jersey Top c/o French Connection || Cognac Tote || Cognac Wedges || Gold Bracelet in Iridescent Druzy 

You're Invited!

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.

Where: Bevello in Cameron Village in Raleigh.

When: This Saturday, July 25th 11am until 4pm!

Who: Zelle, Emily, Sarah, French Connection, Bevello and myself!

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.

Hope to see you this weekend!

xo, Shelby

Beach Trip Wishlist

striped straw tote || tiki beach umbrella || lattice patterned one piece swimsuit || tassel bracelets || bluetooth speakers || white lace cover-up || velvet ray bans || high-rise boyfriend denim shorts || tie-front pom pom cover-up || 'porch sitting society' plastic cups || watermelon towel || jelly jack rogers sandals

Happy Friday! I'm headed to the beach tomorrow with my family so I thought it would appropriate to share my current beach wish list.  I'm looking forward to a fun and much needed relaxing week and I can't wait to spend quality time with some of my favorite people. Family beach trips are probably my number one favorite childhood memory and the fam just keeps growing which makes them even more exciting.

Mint Sheath

Chambray Shirt (really love this one too) || Mint Sleeveless Sheath Dress (c/o French Connection) || Handbag || Wedges (under $50) || Necklace: sold out from Ann Taylor/ most similar || Sunglasses

Back in March, I tried on this Mint Sleeveless Sheath Dress at a local French Connection event and it became my favorite spring dress instantly.  The material is super stretchy but still well-made to wear all season long.  The color definitely caught my eye but it was the structure that I really loved.  Slimming, bright, and top quality... those are three words that can commonly describe FC clothing.  

I hope it was a great weekend for everyone.  It was absolutely beautiful and could not feel any more perfect outside.  I had Mexican food both nights which made my weekend even more perfect.  By the way, does anyone have any REALLY good simple margarita recipes? I would love to know.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to enter this Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway.  

xo, Shelby

French Connection US Event at Belk

I was thrilled to get an email from French Connection a while ago asking me to help promote their White Dress Trunk Show at Belk in Raleigh.  I was even more thrilled to find out that Zelle (Southern Style) and Emily (Life with Emily) were also going to be there.  I remember my first French Connection dress I got back in college for a black and white semiformal.  It had the most unique cut-out in the back, structured big sleeves, and was made to perfection.  What I love about French Connection is the fabulous quality and unique styles they always seem to bring to the table.  You can often find their pieces on sale too!

The fun started on Friday night when we decided that we should all meet up at 518 West in Raleigh, which is the best italian restaurant and is SADLY closing this weekend.  It's devastating really.  Anyways, Zelle and I met the FC ladies there for dinner and drinks and had the best time. It was so interesting getting to hear all of their stories and backgrounds.  They also decided to order every single dessert on the menu and I felt like I was in Stepbrothers *Did we just become best friends?* Yes.

Saturday morning, we met up at Belk in Crabtree Valley Mall in our French Connection dresses and snapped some photos before most of the shoppers started arriving.  If you're a future bride or graduate, you have seriously got to check out all of the stunning white dresses they have!

We helped customers style some outfits of their own and had a blast.  We also tried on numerous outfits of our own.  I wore this White and Black Polka Spray dress for most of the day (which, by the way, is on MAJOR sale for $88 here).  I also found another white dress that I would have totally got if I was graduating or something soon.  

I had to try on this cute black jumpsuit.  And Emily looked gorgeous (as usual) in this white dress she picked out.  

This outfit Zelle picked out was on point.  We all want that periwinkle leather skirt now.  Anyways, It was really cool getting to see customers get excited about picking out an outfit for a special event in their lives and seeing how confident and beautiful they looked.  I don't normally get to work with fashion, other than this blog of mine, so I soaked up all I could.

Thanks for reading!
xo Shelby

SHOP THE LOOKS:

Back in Black

Trina Turk Sonoma Lace Laurel Dress (available via Rent the Runway), or similar to purchase || Shoes (the most comfortable shoes to dance in, by the way, and also perfect for work) || Kate Spade Necklace || Moon and Lola earrings

1. Embellished Collar Skater Dress (only $28 on sale!) || 2. Sleeveless Midi Dress || 3. Lace Swing Dress || 4. Fit & Flare Dress || 5. Feather Shift ($45 to rent) || 6. Ruffle Hem Dress (under $50) || 7. Crochet Peasant Dress || 8. High Neck Shift Dress

Black is always in style and one should always have a go-to little black dress in their closet.  Trust me, I am ALL about colorful clothes, pinks and teals, but sometimes the look of a classic black dress is all you need to feel confident and beautiful.  This past weekend, I was helping out with a good friend's wedding and was asked to wear a black dress.  Well, at the time, I really didn't have many black dresses and wasn't quite sure what to wear.  I ended up looking on Rent the Runway (as usual for these types of events) and wore this Trina Turk Sonoma Lace Laurel Dress. I loved the lace peplum detail and I felt different wearing all black and no pink or patterns.  It was a good different though.  There are so many gorgeous black dresses that I am loving this season especially this French Connection Crepe Frill Hem dress.  

Today, I have the day off work and plan on getting A LOT done around my apartment.  I am looking forward to this spring weather this week and am so happy that April is here.  April is actually a pretty non-busy month for me and I am pumped about it.

Thanks for reading!
xo Shelby