Blue Floral Dress

This isn't the first time I've worn blue florals and it certainly won't be the last.  I'm already drawn to florals so when they come in one of my favorite hues, it is hard to pass up.  I wore this flirty & floral v-neck dress to the welcoming cocktail party last weekend at Create and Cultivate.  The temperatures were in the 70's that entire weekend so I was really glad I packed this bad boy!

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! 

Be Bright

I love starting the week with bright colors! Monday's can be hard, intimidating, scary, and well, Monday.  As a goal of my own, I'm trying to start the weeks off as positive as possible.  It's important to have something to look forward to on any seemingly long and not-so-fun day.  Read below to find out how I look forward to Mondays.  Also, check out this gorgeous (and on sale) pink flutter sleeve dress.  For a more colorful look, I wore it with my ombre dip dye scarf.  Both are pieces I definitely see myself wearing year-round! 

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.

Navy Blue Velvet Dress

Happy New Year, y'all! 

This is my first post of 2016 and I have to say, I am excited for a new and exciting year ahead.  I was looking back at last year's New Year's post and I was happy to see how much I stuck to my "resolutions".  Another fun idea of goal setting you might like -- 101 in 1001. 

Anyways,  I wanted Pretty in the Pine's first post of the year to incorporate this fabulous faux fur coat and a stunning navy blue short-sleeved velvet dress! I like to think this outfit exemplifies the style of this blog- classic yet chic.  

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. 

Dress With The Fur

Blue has always been my favorite "color".  I say "color" because I love some grey and white but if I had to choose an actual color, it would definitely be blue.  When I saw this navy blue faux fur scarf in stores, I knew I had to have it.  I just couldn't agree to the price tag so I waited until Black Friday to order it online.  I'd keep a look out to see if it goes on sale again because this fur scarf is a winter must have! Not to mention, this teal turtleneck swing dress is the most comfortable weekend dress I own.  

The Best Black Friday Sales

Happy Black Friday!

 Let the Christmas decorating and holiday shopping begin!  Scroll down below for some really great Black Friday sales that will make your holiday shopping a lot easier this year. 

 I've rounded up my favorite sales of the weekend so if you're the online type of shopper, you'll want to grab some hot chocolate or coffee and stick around! If you're the brave type and want to hit the stores today, take a look at these sales and map out your plan! Either way, a bunch of these are too good.  My personal Christmas shopping goal this year is to get it all done online and completed by the middle of December so I can really enjoy the holidays once it gets closer to Christmas! 

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

White + Grey

Poncho: Calvin Klein (Found at Marshall's for 1/2 off); White Denim: Old Navy; Booties: Alex Marie; Watch: c/o HandPicked; Earrings: c/o HandPicked; Lip Color: Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rose Tea

I can't seem to get enough ponchos this season... they are just so warm, cozy, and classic.  I would wear one every single day if I had enough of them.  This past weekend I decided to wear white denim (yes, after Labor Day- life is too short to live by silly fashion rules) with this grey and white poncho.  I definitely think the way to wear white in the fall/winter is to pair it with very neutral colors such as tan, grey, or black.

I also accessorized this look with a beautiful watch and monogrammed earrings from HandPicked.  Handpicked is wonderful company that specializes in monogrammed gifts and handcrafted jewelry.  It truly is one of my favorite places to shop when trying to find a birthday or Christmas gift for a friend or sister.  There is just something that feels so special and personal when receiving a gift from Handpicked.  I am dying to order these adorable embroidered stockings for Christmas this year.  These monogrammed earrings are the perfect personalized gift for a friend and I am probably going to wear them every day to work.  So, with the holiday shopping season upon us, go ahead and check out HandPicked's perfect gift selection!

XO,
Shelby