Galentine’s Day Series Part 2: 4 Looks for Ladies Celebrating Ladies

Hello, Beautiful! AND HAPPY GALENTINE’S DAY!

I’m so happy to share Part 2 of this Galentine’s Day blog series with you because it’s all about the outfit!

In Part 1 we talked about The History of Galentine’s Day, the Ultimate Girl Power Shopping Experience if you’re local to the QC, and all about Girl Tribe Co. + the lovely ladies who helped make the styled shoot of my dreams happen!

In Part 2, it’s all about the look! This morning I’m talking what to wear for the ultimate Galentine’s Day with your girls, whether you’re headed to brunch, lunch, the movies (I mean, I’m not above seeing “Fifty Shades Freed” for Girls’ Day, ya know?), or whatever it may be, these looks will have you ready to celebrate the very special kind of love that is friendship.

First off, I have to tell you that pulling clothes from racks riddled with sequins, inspiration, and neon nestled away behind that little pink door on Camden Rd. with my girlies was an absolute dream scenario. I feel so incredibly humbled that THE Sarah and Carrie of THE Girl Tribe Co. allowed little ole me and my mini gang of Galentines to play dress-up one rainy January Sunday. That moment at the end of the “Lizzie McGuire Movie” is coming to mind where everybody’s singing, dancing, and overall just embracing who they are (such as a high school girl randomly destined for explosive overnight Italian Pop fame – same. same.) . . . . . Anyway, “Hey now. Hey now. This is what dreams are made of.”

I mean, what public middle school doesn’t have international excursions to Italy? Pretty standard, it’s casual.

Before I go down a Lizzie McGuire memory lane that completely dead-ends in nostalgia and the utter deniability that I currently have to do adult things like handle complex legal issues in corporate America instead of my only worry being whether my straw was going to literally split through the back of my Capri Sun, let’s dive into the cutest Galentine’s Day fitties there ever were, shall we?!?!?

LauRen Merola

LauRen is such a badass, and I look up to her in so many ways (and have for years!) As a local radio personality, we all get a little bit of the inside scoop into LauRen’s life from the things she shares with her Kiss 95.1 audience. But as soon as you meet LauRen, you realize that’s just who she is, and that her presence and personality – whether on the radio, at a local Charlotte event, repping her fave local boutiques, or just hanging out sipping champs and shopping – are nothing but passionate and authentic.

When LauRen isn’t busy helping the entire Queen City wake up (and keep up . . . . . with the Kardashians, which I so appreciate, personally . . . . . LOL!) she has her own Charlotte fashion blog that is a MUST FOLLOW! Go check out her Instagram page HERE and her blog website HERE. LauRen’s blog is called “All Of The F-Words” so you know it’s love at first blog. I mean, who doesn’t love fashion, food, family, and fun?! As LauRen puts it, “these are all the F-words a lady should know,” and that’s how I know she’s my f*ckin’ soul sister.

LauRen styled her Galentine’s Day look to be casual and fun, complete with distressed black overalls, a blush graphic tee, and the cutest print pop of leopard print booties!

Isn’t she such a babe? Her smile and eyes seriously light up any room. Her blog is all kinds of #goals – I mean, this chick just got back from New York Fashion Week 2018! Go check out her page and give her some serious love + be sure to follow along for all her outfit updates!

Sieana Robinson

Sieana is a beauty stylist specializing in concierge hair and makeup in the Charlotte area, and boy do I love her spirit. She is the older sister I never wanted but now wish daily that I’d had. Her heart is so kind, and she always keeps a bottle of Veuve chilled and ready for clients (which isn’t just kind, it’s a whole other level of class and amazingness I don’t even really have words for . . . . . she’s just that freaking cool!). I met Sieana through our mutual friend and my girl friend from law school, Maryellen Hill. Sieana keeps our hair looking fierce, our hearts feeling full but light, and, yes . . . she keeps the champagne flowing. I love her.

Sieana chose a Galentine’s Day look that couldn’t fit her personality any better: fun wine-colored sleeves, a pop of sexy black sequins, and the sweetest jeweled headband. Not to mention her to-die-for clutch by Policy Handbags. I love that Sieana’s look would also be perfect for Valentine’s Day, just like Maryellen’s! Keep scrolling to see what she chose! 🙂

Maryellen Hill

Maryellen and I met in law school during our very first semester, but we really got to know one another one a girl friend level when we both studied abroad in Lithuania for the entire summer after our first year. Maryellen brings warmth, laughter, and sincerity to any room, as well as a sassy Southern accent I can always relate to. She’s a total boss babe attorney doing major things at Wells Fargo (with my hubby, whom she actually recommended to her department for me and legit helped him secure his job), and I just think the world of her sweet soul. I wish we could snap our fingers and be in the corner of a book shop sipping tea whenever we want, but we’ll always have Lithuania.

Maryellen chose sharp red dress that she contrasted nicely with a faded denim and pearl jacket and a black druzy statement necklace and black heels. I love the way her red dress flares out at the bottom, a perfect complement to her personality. I also love that Maryellen’s look could translate to Valentine’s Day just like Sieana’s! I am all about reusing pieces / pieces that are multipurpose . . . . . because . . . . . law school loans don’t pay themselves off, ya’ll. #YAFEELME

Elle Graham

Yo, what up, it’s me . . . . . ya girl. The woman behind Blush + Bourbon, a sipper of champagne, an arranger of fresh flowers, and a fierce lover of the women I’m fortunate enough to have in my life.

The outfit I chose is probably my personality in fashion form, and I’m more than okay with that. This “Besties for the Resties” Girl Tribe Co. tank is perfect for literally anywhere: I’ve worn it at the gym, for this Galentine’s Day shoot, to lounge around the apartment, and to brunch, and it’s been extra-soft and flattering with every wash and wear! Girl Tribe Co. graphic tees / tanks / and sweatshirts are made with love and quality in every single stitch, and that fact alone has me itching for more new closet additions.

You know that I pretty much stay ready for any excuse to pop champagne or wear a tulle skirt, and Galentine’s Day is no exception. I loved contrasting the flirty, fancy vibe of the crisp, white tulle skirt with the edgy feel of this ultra-distressed dark-washed denim pearl jacket. Check it out!

I loved that this look is complete even without the distressed denim pearl jacket on top! A little bit of rose gold satin bralette peeking out of a girl power tank never hurt anybody, right? Cheers to that!

All stunning photos are by the one and only Catrina Earls of Catrina Earls Photography.

Thank you to these total babes for helping me make this Galentine’s Day Blog Series happen! #GirlGangGoals tbh (only missing Sarah + Carrie of Girl Tribe Co.)!

Thanks for stopping by Blush + Bourbon Blog today, Babe! I hope you leave with some chic outfit ideas, some fashion inspo, and most importantly: a smile on your face and a happy feeling in your heart. Go where you grow.

I’d love to hear all about how you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day today! Leave me a comment with your plans + what you’re gifting your best gals.

No idea what to gift your gals this year? Stay tuned to the blog tomorrow tonight for my Galentine’s Day Gift Guide in Part 3 of this series!

I hope you have a beautiful Galentine’s Day filled with love and laughter. Don’t forget to shoot your girls a text and tell them that you love them this February 13th (and as often as you can)! I’m missing all my best babes extra hard this Galentine’s Day and hope we will be reunited again soon!

xoxo to the real ones,
elle

Are we best friends yet?!

February 9, 2018February 9, 2018

Flannel x Tulle Valentine’s Day Look + a Gift Guide for Him

Hello, Beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by Blush + Bourbon Blog! I’m so excited about tonight’s post because this Valentine’s Day look is ultra feminine and comfortable. I love a good dressed-up flannel – especially paired with girly details like a statement necklace, heels, or a skirt! – I mean, for me it’s a year-round affair. This flannel has sparkly details that paired so well with the coffee-colored tulle skirt from Space 46 Boutique (such. good. quality!).

Somethin’ about flannel reminds me of Southern charm, and I think that’s one of the reasons why it’s a year-round closet staple for me. Keep scrolling for clickable, shop-able links of this exact look PLUS my first-ever gift guide, which I’m SO excited to share with you: my Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Him! (Am I the only one that thinks boys are so hard to shop for?! Leave me a comment if you agree!)

Flannel x Tulle Valentine’s Day Look

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Okay, you guys, PLEASE tell me if I am the only one out there who feels like shopping for men is so hard. I swear, I love Thomas more than life itself, but when it comes to the heat of the moment, I feel so much pressure shopping for him. He’s always doing that thing moms do, saying he “doesn’t need anything” and “has everything he needs,” which is so mature and admirable, but . . . like . . . I’m still buying you a Valentine’s Day gift, Homes.

That’s why I sat him down next to me for this blog post so we could create this gift guide together. We can all rest easy this Vday (and at night bahaha) knowing what to get the men in our life this Valentine’s Day. I know you’re probably thinking, “What if my man doesn’t like the same ish Thomas likes?” I thought of that possibility before I even asked him to help me create this gift guide, and the resounding thought I kept coming back to was this, ya’ll: Thomas is super picky when it comes to what gifts he wants, what clothes he wants to wear, what gifts he gives others. It’s one of the things I love the very most about him, because it’s picky in a good way . . . the thoughtful kind of way.

T has a great eye when it comes to clothes and mostly gets what works together – he notices tiny design details about clothes before I do sometimes . . . well, primarily flaws to keep us from buying them, LOL! No, but he definitely has a classic sense of style and tends to go for quality, staple pieces he can use and cherish for years to come, so that’s what this gift guide is all about!

From us to you, enjoy!

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Him

<br /> I’d love to hear your Valentine’s Day – and/or Galentine’s Day! – plans + what you got for the loved ones in your life! Eeek, I love L O V E , you guysss. Leave me a comment below or send me a message on InstaStory! I hope you have a B-E-A-YOU-tiful weekend!

xoxo,
elle

Are we best friends yet?!

February 4, 2018February 4, 2018

Galentine’s Day Series Part 1: Galentine’s Day the Girl Tribe Way

Hello, Beautiful!

Let’s talk how to spend the ultimate Galentine’s Day with your besties, shall we?

Photo Credz: Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization.

I’m so excited to share this gorgeous Galentine’s Day styled shoot with you tonight on Blush + Bourbon! This shoot has been bouncing around in the creative corners in my brain since the end of October – early November, and “I am so excited to see it finally come to life” is the understatement of the century! This styled shoot wouldn’t have been possible without some seriously amazing women, including:

[ the setting] (the sweetest local boutique called Girl Tribe Co. that is actually so much more than a boutique)
[ the photographer ] (Catrina Earls Photography, moon of my life, my sun and stars, etc. etc.)
[ the Galentines ] (I wouldn’t have wanted to sip champs or stuff my face with donuts with anyone else to be quite honest)
[the jewelry] (Roma Designer Jewelry has THE coolest, most unique story behind their incredible Roman Glass designs, but more on that in the third post in this series!)

It was so important to me to do a Galentine’s Day series for the blog because I love the idea of setting a day aside that’s all about celebrating the women in our lives who, after all, help shape us into the women we are by inspiring us, encouraging us, and overall quite literally being the best damn friends a gal can find on a daily basis (even when we’re hangry or hang with dumb boys).

The History of Galentine’s Day

Ladies Celebrating Ladies.

In its original American NBC broadcast on February 11, 2010, the “Parks and Recreation” episode titled “Galentine’s Day” was seen by 4.98 million households. Thanks to Leslie Knope’s amazingness, Galentine’s Day has since transcended from the television screen into everyday culture, marked by a nonofficial holiday on February 13th. Galentine’s Day is celebrated as a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.”

While Galentine’s Day may have started out with Amy Poehler’s NBC character going to brunch with her female friends, February 13th can be – and is – celebrated by so many people around the world, not just fans of the show. To me, Galentine’s Day is so much more than just a plot point in an episode (but to be perfectly honest of course I’m watching THE “Galentine’s Day” Parks & Rec episode right now, duh).

#GalentinesDay trends every year on February 13th all over social media, and businesses like Target even promote the holiday and sell Galentine’s Day-themed products (go check out the Target dollar section ASAP for so many of the details you’ll see in this series!). Ultimately, February 13th is meant to be a beautiful celebration of friendship to be celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day. Because sisters before misters, period.

Keep scrolling for Part 1 of this 3-Part Galentine’s Day Series and stay tuned to the blog throughout February for the rest of this fun series! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for updates so you never miss a post, tips on sales, or giveaways!

Galentine’s Day Series Part 1: Galentine’s Day the Girl Tribe Way

Saturday’s can be for the boys. That’s fine. Because . . .

Sundays are for the girls!!!!!

Need Galentine’s Day plans? Local to the Charlotte area? Well, hi, Beautiful! If we’re already gal pals, I can’t wait to celebrate you this Galentine’s Day! If we’re not already friends, I’d loooove to meet you, you poetic land mermaid.

Either way . . .

Come join me and some pretty darn incredible women at the second annual Girl Tribe Co Valentine’s Day Pop-Up event on Sunday, February 11th, 2018!

What’s So Special About It?
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome Research Trust – a cause that is dear to the hearts of the owners of Sugar Creek Brewing.

S U P P O R T I N G C H A R I T Y
For this Girl Tribe Co Pop-Up Event, the Girl Tribe team is presenting the first-ever Girl Tribe Creatives Workshop – with artist Bree Stallings! This means there are two different opportunities to catch a Watercolor Calligraphy Class in the event room at Sugar Creek! First class starts at 12PM and second starts at 1PM! Best part? All items needed will be provided with registration fee!

D A N C E x Y O G A C O M B O C L A S S
You can even start off the day with THE JAM: CLT Dance (Drop it LOW class) at 11:00 mixed with a slow cool down yoga sesh by NC Yoga Bar! Pro tip: bring your own yoga mat and a water if you sign up for this part of the pop-up event!

S H O P T H E B E S T F E M A L E V E N D O R S in the QC
Shop with Girl Tribe Co’s favorite local female-powered vendors from 11-3PM (will be open while the above classes are in session, too) and will include beer selections from Sugar Creek, snacks, fun music, and most importantly . . . GIRL TIME! Pop-up shopping is 100% FREE to attend, no purchase necessary.

What’s better than sipping champs and stuffing your face with donuts? Doing so with your girlfriends, of course!

Okay, That’s Everything I’ve Ever Wanted + More. Gimme the Deetz!
Date: Sun, February 11, 2018

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

Location: Sugar Creek Brewing Company

Address: 215 Southside Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217

*Tickets: CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS!

*Be sure to follow the above link to secure your ticket! Shopping is completely free, but signing up for a “free” ticket will help let all the vendors and sponsors know how many of you beauties to expect!

Except, you’re not a loser. Actually,

So there’s that.

Kisses for Ringo the Flamingo! (Props to my hubs for the cool name idea. I was calling him “Frank the Flamingo” until Thomas reminded me what a major opportunity I was missing not picking a rhyming / Beatles name like Ringo. This is why I married him.)

Hope to see you there, beautiful! If you’re local to Charlotte, I’d love to meet you and say hi, so feel free to comment me or send me a DM on Instagram if you’d like to get together – and cheers to #GirlPower – at the event!

Cheers, and until next time . . .

xo,
eg

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the incredible people who made this styled shoot dream-come-true happen for me:

Carrie & Sarah, the Creators & Founders of Girl Tribe Co. How amazing are they for letting us hang out in their store for an hour while we created this magic?! They are the very definition of women supporting women, and I absolutely adore them. (CLICK HERE to check out the Girl Tribe Co. website and CLICK HERE to follow along with the Girl Tribe Co. Instagram account!)
Catrina Earls Photography (CLICK HERE to check out Catrina’s photography website and CLICK HERE to read my full blog post featuring Catrina’s photography business!)
LauRen Merola
Sieana Robinson (CLICK HERE to check out my full blog post featuring Sieana’s business and CLICK HERE to follow along with her Instagram!)
Maryellen Hill (CLICK HERE to follow along with Maryellen’s Instagram!)
My Hubs*

*I mean, who do you think threw all these rose petals directly into LauRen’s face? Great job, T. You’re the real MVP.

In all seriousness, though, Thomas is the best Instagram husband – and the best damn husband period – in the world. He helped me every step of the way with this shoot, from loading and unloading the props to taking videos so I can share a behind-the-scenes clip with you all! I couldn’t have done it without him.

Are we best friends yet?!

February 2, 2018February 2, 2018

Celebrate Love and #GiftThoughtfully this Valentine’s Day

Hello, Beautiful!

Let’s talk upping our gift basket game in a major way, shall we?

Can we just go ahead and say it? GONE are the days of the traditional wicker gift baskets! There are so many specialized gift companies popping up all over the place with such elevated, chic, beautiful packaging, it honestly makes me wonder what we were ever doing gifting those Easter basket-looking cellophane-wrapped baskets filled with perishables (like, enough with the crackers and hot sauce) and the occasional poorly made stuffed animal.

That’s why I’m so glad to have found Thoughtfully, a company passionate about gifting experiences that help us make memories together rather than throwing together your traditional old gift baskets.

I love the idea of gifting my friends, family, husband, and loved ones an adventure that fits their individuality and uniqueness rather than something that looks like it took a lot of effort to put together but is actually just a bunch of random stuff that won’t stand the test of time.

I love that Thoughtfully believes that a gift should last long after the beautiful wrappings have been torn away. I adore getting to use something regularly that I’ve received as a gift because it brings the person who gifted it to mind, almost like connecting with them from afar.

With Valentine’s Day just 2 weeks away, why not gift your girlfriends or lover babe a truly thoughtful gift, something the two of you could use to create a memory or a story? Last Valentine’s Day was a total bust for us because T was studying for the Bar Exam at the end of February and I was still bedridden post spine-surgery, so we pretty much ate chocolate covered strawberries and drank champs on the couch. I’m so thankful that we’re both in a totally different place this Love Day, and I wanted to celebrate that in a sweet way with the hubs.

If you’re in need of the perfectly packaged, truly elegant gift for your sweetie pie this February 14th, keep reading to learn more about why you should #GiftThoughtfully to your friends and family! Be sure to scroll through the gorgeous photos to see what experience I picked out for T and I to enjoy together this Valentine’s Day!

Can’t wait?! Dying to see more?! CLICK HERE to be taken to the Thoughtfully website!

I love a good Mule – it’s actually one of the cocktails I order the most when we we’re out – and I also love doing things with Thomas. We’ve been together more than 7 years now (since our second year of college! “awwww!”), so it’s safe to say we’ve been to our fair share of movies, lunches, dinners, walks, hikes, and all your other typical “date” activities.

We’ve been making an effort to do more things that connect us (bonus if it’s totally new to us!), like cooking a new recipe together, studying photography, writing songs, and anything else that gets our creative juices flowing (read: we are officially out of shows to Netflix and chill to).

Making a fancy schmancy cocktail to enjoy together was right up our alley, and we even lucked out with a random 64 degree Saturday in January that allowed us to enjoy them over a little picnic. I tell you what, January was the month that never ended, so being outside in the sunshine cheersing with my babe was just what I needed to feel the love this Vday.

We love that we’ll get to enjoy most of our Thoughtfully gift for the rest of our lives. I mean, we ate the ginger candy right away, to be honest. Didn’t even make it to its rightful place as a cocktail garnish because it smelled that good and looked that authentic and high-end. This was not your typical gas station or grocery store gummy candy.

But the two mugs, the jigger, and the cocktail shaker are truly beautiful kitchenware pieces we have loved adding to our kitchen and look forward to using for years to come. The copper and glass are high-quality and designed with such an attention to detail. We love that we’ll always have the glassware and the memory we made together to share, and we can’t wait for our next adventure experience with Thoughtfully!

What’s In It?

Two Moscow Mule Mugs
Two Graphic Paper Coasters
Glass Cocktail Shaker
Matryoshka Jigger
Bundaberg Ginger Beer (12.7oz)
Moscow Mule Syrup (8.5oz)
Candied Ginger (1.5oz)

What’s Missing?

Ice (because it melts!)
Vodka

That’s it!

Moscow Mule Tutorial:

Using the matryoshka jigger, measure out 2 shots of vodka and 1 ounce mule syrup.
Combine vodka, mule syrup, and 1 cup of ice in the shaker and shake vigorously.
Pour into mug and combine with a half cup of the Bundaberg ginger beer.
Garnish with ginger candy and enjoy!

Leave me a comment if you have any questions about Thoughtfully and be sure to snag your own incredibly thoughtful gift set for you and yours this Valentine’s Day! Thank you so much for stopping by the Blush + Bourbon Blog, babes – I love sharing my life and recommendations with you, and I so appreciate your support. Be sure to subscribe and turn on Instagram post notifications so you never miss a single update!