What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Dress: to rent: Halston Heritage Lilac Disco Maxi Dress c/o || to buy $: Halston Hertiage || Shoes: Sam Edelman || Clutch: GiGi New York || Earrings:3-in-1 Flora Chandeliers

I'm sure some of you all might have a wedding or two to attend this summer. We went to a beautiful wedding of a friend of mine this weekend at The Duke Mansion in Charlotte. It was gorgeous and although it isn't officially "summer" for a few more weeks, it sure felt like it this weekend at 94 degrees! As I sat there in the ceremony seeing the men in their jackets sweating their faces off, I felt SO happy that I had decided to wear this flowy, breathable, and fun maxi dress. It was probably the most comfortable dress I could have ever found for a summer wedding! You can rent it here or if you're a millionaire, you can buy it here. 

RTR Valentine's Day Challenge: Part 2

Do you remember this last Valentine's Challenge post where my fiance had to take a Rent the Runway quiz about me which then determined my Valentine's Day look?  Well, this time I took the quiz about myself and the stylists at Rent the Runway curated some looks for me based on the answers.  I absolutely love how one of the results was this Kate Spade Bow Back Dress.  Read more below to find out what the quiz questions looked like! If you're planning a special Valentine's Day date, I'd definitely check out all of the fabulous options at RTR. 

RTR Valentine Challenge: Part 1

Rent the Runway has been talked about a few (dozen) times before on Pretty in the Pines.  It dates back to the sorority function days at NC State when I had to find a new dress every other month or so but didn't like the thought of buying something I'd never wear again.  Well, since those days, RTR has changed so much! It offers way more options of dresses, jewelry, bags, and even tops, jackets, skirts, and pants!

When RTR reached out to see if I would be participate in their Valentines Day Challenge, I immediately said yes! Wait until you find out the details of how it went down! 

Late Summer & Fall Wedding Wear

With September and October right around the corner, so are a lot of wedding celebrations! Unlike the last couple years, I actually don't have any weddings on my calendar this fall.  I know that isn't the case for a lot of you so I wanted to share my Top 12 favorite dresses for wedding guests! For spring weddings, I typically choose a pastel, floral, light and happy colored dress but for fall, I usually gravitate towards dark blues, oranges, tans, and more bold hues.  If you haven't been reading this blog, you may not know my love for Rent the Runway. I've rented at least 25 times from them and I've always been very satisfied with everything they offer.  

Before I became a loyal customer of Rent the Runway, I noticed my closet started accumulating dresses that I had only worn one time... for a wedding or special occasion.  Since then, I've been able to spend more on everyday casual basics and save $$$ on these more formal dresses that never get worn a second time.  

So, IF I had more weddings to attend this upcoming season, these dresses would for sure make the cut.  I love the fall vibes each one gives off and I'd pair them with some simple pointy toe nude ankle strap pumps or in leopard print.

Don't forget to enter to win $50 to eff.y.bee! You'll need to enter on instagram by going to this photo, tagging a friend in the comments, and following @prettyinthepines and @effybee. 

Black and White

Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini (SO comfortable) || White Denim Pants: Topshop || Black and White Patterned Tank || Gigi New York Carly Clutch in 'Desert Rose' || Sunglasses || Kendra Scott 'Perry' Necklace || Kendra Scott 'Kiri' Necklace 

These white denim pants are the most comfortable pair of denim I've owned.  I've been looking for a higher-waisted pair of white denim that wasn't too expensive for a while and these were the best ones I could find that met all of my white pants criteria: sits high on the waist (these are REALLY high), stretchy but high quality, and have the perfect length.  The sizing runs smaller than usual though so order like 2-3 sizes up... no joke.  Anyways, you can never go wrong with black and white for any time of year.  I'm loving black, white, and a pop of color too with this Gigi New York Carly Clutch. Let me fill you in on a little secret.  Have you heard of Rent the Runway?  Of course you have because I talk about it all the time. :) Well, they have a new(ish) Unlimited option where you get to use unlimited bags, jewelry, and dresses for one monthly price.  I personally think its the best idea because I get tired of my bags after a while. After a few months, I end up wanting something new resulting in a closet full of lower quality bags that I never use again.  If you're interested, check it out on their website. 

 I've been trying to stick to a workout regimen lately and it's been killing me.  I've been fairly consistent but each morning I feel like I can't move.  I've been using Kayla Itsine's program and am on week 8.  I'll review it in more detail on an upcoming post and let you all know my thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, Shelby

Pink Dress

Jill Jill Stuart Dress || clutch || Moon & Lola earrings || Sunglasses || Kendra Scott 'Kiri' necklace in Chalcedony/Gold || Lip Stain || Shoes: TJ Maxx (similiar) || Watch c/o HandPicked

So, last weekend I chose to use Rent the Runway for a wedding I attended in Concord, NC.  If you've never used RTR before, you should know that they let you choose a free back-up size for any dress you decide to rent AND for an additional $15, you can choose a back-up dress in a completely different style! I have had my eye on this little pink dress for a while but didn't know if it would fit or not due to the lower cuts on the front and especially on the side.  I ended up wearing a pink lace dress instead but I couldn't resist sharing this one on Pretty in the Pines.  I LOVED the cuts on the side and the thicker material of the dress.

Last night, one of my best friend's, Sara, came over and we went on a walk to one of our favorite spots to eat with our dogs and our boyfriend/fiances.  The weather was amazing and made me SO excited for winter to officially be over after this week.  I hope everyone has a great Wednesday and thank you so much for stopping by Pretty in the Pines!

xo,
Shelby

PS- Don't forget to RSVP to the French Connection event next Saturday (the 28th) at Belk in Crabtree!

Wedding Season with RTR

Ever since I can remember, I've loved picking out outfits for events way ahead of time.  During college while I was in Delta Gamma at NC State, I had to find outfits for numerous events and functions and didn't like the idea of buying a dress and then never wearing it again which is basically what happens with the majority of my more formal dresses.  That is when I first heard about Rent the Runway.  

If you have never used Rent the Runway, you are seriously missing out! For a girl who has attended more weddings than I can count, it has been one of my absolute favorite companies! I downloaded their app on my phone and have folders and folders of dresses I have "liked" for specific events.  I can then go back to those folders whenever I want and my dress ideas will be there.  

So, if you have a wedding or other formal event coming up, I would definitely 120% suggest RTR.  They have the best customer service, a HUGE selection of designer dresses that you can see on real customers too in review photos, and you get to order a second or "back-up size" for free.  With the "back-up size", the reviews of other customers, and photos, it is very unlikely you will get a dress that doesn't fit.  

Plus, if you're a new customer, you can receive $25 off your first order of $75+!

So here is a little #TBT for you with a few dresses I have rented in the past... (please excuse the photo quality- didn't know these pics would one day be on Pretty in the Pines!)

Botanical Berry Sheath

Waterlilly Louise Dress 

Charmed by You Dress (this picture doesn't show the best part-- the BACK!)

Island Shift Dress

Kimono-me Dress

Falling for Peplum