Valentine's Day Inspired Bar Cart

 I love holidays.  Some holidays definitely have more meaning than others but I just find joy out of any holiday.  An occasion to celebrate with others is one of my favorite parts of life and I won't let a holiday pass without taking full advantage of the festivities! I decided to clean my bar cart the other day that had been covered in dust.  After it was all clean and sparkly, I figured I would go ahead and decorate it for the upcoming holiday, Valentine's Day, because why not.  It made me realize that I have a lot of random faux florals laying around my house and also an enormous assortment of paper straws that I most likely will not actually use (but they look so very cute!).  

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!

A Day At Create and Cultivate + 5 Things I Learned

I've been thinking of how to organize this post all week so hopefully it will come out as my brain envisions it.  Last weekend, I attended the Create and Cultivate conference in Dallas, a one-day creative conference for female entrepreneurs in the digital space.  It was filled with all different types of bloggers, business owners, or even girls just thinking of starting a business.  It had panels with speakers I've been following for a long time (Happily Grey, Gal Meets Glam, The Skinny Confidential), workshops, keynote speaker Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, and SO many more.  I'll give you a run down of how the day went and also 5 things I learned over the weekend so if you have any questions at all, leave me a comment! All photography is a combination of Jessica Bordner Photography, Melissa Enid Photography, Zelle, and my phone!

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. 

All the Blues

This past weekend was so wonderful and I am so sad for it to be over already! I always feel that way when the weekends end but this time is even more so.  If you follow along on snapchat (shelbsLV) or instagram (@prettyinthepines), you probably know I spent the weekend in Dallas.  A couple friends of mine went to Create & Cultivate, a one-day inspiring and motivating conference I've been wanting to attend for a long time! I will share ALL the details later on but today I wanted to share my outfit I wore to it since the majority of it is on major sale! Shop these tailored wide leg mint pants and blue cropped top below!

Winter Neutrals

Well, that was a fun little snow weekend! I am always so thankful when we get a few days of snow and are forced to relax, rewind, catch up on movies/shows/emails at home, and spend time with TJ and sweet Colbs. Thankfully, I purchased these snow boots just in time.  The pair I picked up is actually 2 sizes too big but they were the last pair and I love them! I'd highly recommend, especially for $30.  

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! 

Shirt Dress + a Giveaway

In my opinion, you can never have enough clothing that works well for work and weekends. I love having options for work outfits, especially in the winter.  A long-sleeved dress layered with tights and boots makes for the perfect and quick outfit to throw on when you're running late on 30 degree mornings.  This henley shirtdress is exactly what I'm talking about and I love the color with this soft pink print infinity scarf!

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! 

Vera Bradley Fragrance Launch

Last weekend, I drove to Charlotte to my friend's house (Taylor Rae, Style Souffle) to celebrate the launch of Vera Bradley's fragrance collection.  It officially launches TODAY and there are so many amazing scents you all have to try! We had the best time filling up our bags with our favorite fragrances and meeting new friends.  I was the only girl who was not from Charlotte so I had a lot of new faces to meet!

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.