Floral to the Max(i)

Dress: in a different color online (only $18 though) || Watch || Ring: customized via Kendra Scott Color Bar || Clutch: Gigi New York || Shoes: Isola (old) very similar here || Panama Hat || Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Perry' || Bracelet

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  Mine was very, very relaxing and was just what I needed. I basically just ate a bunch of snacks, cheered my boyfriend and mom on in a 10-mile run, and made a few trips to Target (not for #TargetforLilly ... bless all of those brave souls).  I've had weekends packed with events and things to do for the past month or so but this one was completely free of plans and wonderful.  I did get to see one of my best friends though who introduced me to my latest obsession... Kate Spade sunglasses.  Thanks, Erin. These are next on my summer wish list, along with these beauties.  I then moseyed on over to the Gucci section and discovered these beautiful pieces of plastic.  *looked at price tag* *moseyed back to Kate Spade*. Maybe one day. Anyways, we all made plans to see Eric Church together this week and I absolutely cannot wait.  

This maxi I'm wearing in this post is $18... yep, eighteen doll hairs.  I've also linked a few other "tropical-esque" maxis below that your wallet will seriously thank you for.  Couldn't you just live in these...? You can't find anything more comfortable and versatile for warm weather.

xo, Shelby

"Mint" to Wear Floral

Blouse: LC Lauren Conrad || Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini || Jeans (under $30!) || Sleeveless Blazer: via Marshalls; similar || Necklace: Kendra Scott || Gold Bracelet || Bag: similar

These skinny pants are everything. Everythang. They are also under $30, are SO comfortable, and come in just about every color.  The material isn't really your typical "denim" though.  They're definitely stretchier than denim but in my opinion, don't look cheap.  I paired these with a floral LC Lauren Conrad (seriously, check these gorgeous prints out) top.  

All this rain lately is really getting in the way of taking blog photos.  These photos were actually taken right after a torrential downpour which really makes the lighting rather unique (doesn't the road look silver almost?).  

xo, Shelby

Palm Pretty

Dress: One Clothing via Marshall's (similar ones linked below) || Bucket Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (in green) also available in a larger size || Necklace: Kendra Scott || Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini || Panama Hat || Sunglasses: Karen Walker Inspired (under $10)  or you can splurge on these || gold bracelet

Palm print is one of my favorite prints when it comes to clothing around this time of year.  The gradient of greens is so refreshing and fun, making it perfect for the spring and summer.  I've linked a bunch of cute palm pieces down below with a variety of price points too.  While I was taking these photos above, halfway though them I realized I was wearing my fitbit still (luckily it sortof matched) so I took it off and set it on the car.  Well, we drove away and it flew right off.  Miles later, I remembered and we had to turn around and hunt for that little thing.  Whoops.  We finally found it though, thankfully.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead.  Thanks for reading Pretty in the Pines and if you want, you can follow along via twitter and instagram too for more frequent updates and photos!

xo, Shelby

Spring White Skirt

Sleeveless Cropped Twill Shirt || White Checked Skirt c/o The Mint Julep Boutique|| Leopard Clutch || Shoes || Earrings || Bracelet via Loves Affect

Have you been looking for some affordable but cute spring and summer outfits lately?  Well, look no further than The Mint Julep Boutique.  I could honestly spend hours browsing their site because of how many options they have. They also have an array of different styles - a little something for everyone! I ended up choosing this White Checked Skirt because of how classic and versatile it looked.  It also is pretty comfortable and fits perfectly with cropped tops.  I love how it sits a little higher on the waist, making it a very slimming and flattering piece for anyone.  Even the woman behind me in the Chipotle line last night told me she loved this skirt.  

Well, I am teaming up with The Mint Julep Boutique to giveaway a $25 gift card for one lucky reader to get a head start on their spring/summer shopping.  All you have to do is enter through the rafflecopter below and make sure you follow @shopthemint and @prettyinthepines on instagram! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beach Wish List

1. Palm Tankini || 2. Embellished Sandals || 3. Tassel-Trim Caftan || 4. Sunglasses in White Havana/Grey || 5. Boho Bracelet with Tassel || 6. More tassel bracelets (only $6!) || 7. Flamingo Espadrilles || 8. Straw Hat || 9. High Waisted Bikini (splurge) || 10. Beach Cruiser || 11. Denim High-rise Shorts || 12. Earrings || 13. Tory Burch Sandals 

I think the warmer weather is here to stay! (*crosses fingers*).  I have quite a few trips to the beach planned this summer and I can't help but think ahead of what I'm going to pack!  There are a few trends I've been seeing a lot of lately: tassels and pom-poms... and I don't hate either! Embellished sandals are also really in this year and I've seen a TON of really cute ones at Target for under $30 like these.  I've always loved anything palm print so when I saw this palm bikini, I had to share it with y'all! 

I hope everyone had a happy Easter yesterday.  I played some tennis, baked some berry scones, and prepared for the week ahead because it is going to be a long one.  Speaking of Easter, if you are in the Raleigh area and are looking for a church to go to- I highly recommend Hope.  

Have a great week!

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