Anyone else run to Target to check out the new Hearth and Hand by Magnolia line yesterday? I also may or may not have looked at it online before and after the in-store trip. And again this morning . . . . .
I think I was more excited about the Chip & Jo release than I’ve been for anything along the lines of fashion weeks, awards shows, or even other Target collaborations to date. There’s something about the chicness the Gaines fam elicits from simplicity that makes ya want to spend $34.99 on a large metal lantern because . . . I mean, they’re #LifeGoals
I definitely drug my husband to Target to check out the new line with me . . . partly because he’s my best frand and I love spending every second possible with him, but also because he’s got pretty darn good taste when it comes to fashion.
Just the other day while we were looking at winter coats, I picked up an olive green cargo-style coat with embroidered flowers and tried it on. Thomas made a few comments like, “Ohh, how long were you in the Army?” and “What are all these pockets for, your things?” and I laughed. Even when he said it looked like it was from the Limited Too . . .
I’m so glad you’ve stopped by because I’ve got a very special blog post for you tonight featuring Catrina Earls of Catrina Earls Photography!
Catrina shot our first anniversary session, and let me just say firsthand, her work is incredible. From her eye to her editing, I’m absolutely in shock and awe at the beautiful moments she captured for us. I’m going to cherish these photos and everything they mean to me for the rest of our lives. They will hang on the walls of our future first home as the most powerful reminders of everything we’ve been through and accomplished in this first year together.
Just as sweet was the process of getting to work Catrina, who has the kindest soul. Her husband – who I can tell believes in her fiercely and supports her even more – was with her waiting on top of Craggy Pinnacle. Thomas and I made it to a point in the trail with a bit of a curve and a clearing and some gigantic boulders, and there was the cutest couple in puffy dark coats staring off into the fog. I knew it was them, and not just because of the cute Aztec print camera backpack Catrina carries! (I need one so I can be like her, please.)
Anyway, I knew because she immediately turned around with a playful smile and called out, “Wait, you mean didn’t hike all the way up here IN the dress?!” I knew we were going to have some fun with Catrina in charge, and that bright, playful spirit is exactly what your soul needs when you’re standing on top of a mountain in the middle of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I don’t know about you, but how I feel in a photo shoot completely depends on how the photographer makes me feel. I know that sounds so lazy or weak, but I don’t mean it that way at all. It’s the same as with a workout class: if your fitness instructor doesn’t set the tone with those first few breaths, what’s the point? When a photographer has the level of experience that Catrina has as one of the leading photographers in Charlotte and beyond, then it leads to an easy and kind confidence that helps all the poses flow that much more naturally.
Catrina made us both feel happy and focused on each other, giggling without thinking about it, naturally, instead of feeling like the legitimately awkward kids we all know we both are. Catrina’s cues were fun and easy to follow, and chatting with her in between different spots on the trail was just as fun and easy. She’s one of those people you’re truly thankful to have met within moments of meeting them, because she’s that genuine.
Where my Feyoncébabes at?! I’m screaming CONGRATULATIONS to all the newly engaged brides-to-be out there in Wedding Land! He (or she!) liked it, and now there’s a stunning, one-of-a-kind ring on it. But, what now?
Honey, relax! I know it can be both exciting and overwhelming to be engaged, but let’s focus on the exciting part first! This is your time, a time I hope you’ll look back on as one of the most fun – and most special – whirlwinds of your entire life! Soak up every last bit of that engagement bliss with your fiancé (for engaged gents!) or fianceé (for engaged ladies!) before you decide to let the stress of wedding planning start to creep on in.
Once you and your sweetie feel like you’ve had enough time to enjoy the moment, it can be a tad overwhelming trying to figure out just exactly how to start planning your forever. Big things you know you’ll need will start coming to mind – like the dress, the flowers, and all that food.
But then, the little things you didn’t necessarily think of at first will start to bring the panic . . . whether your venue provides enough chairs, what the state alcohol laws require of you to serve liquor at the reception, and who the heck is going to collect all the ish you brought into the venue – and your pressies! – late at night when it’s all said and done . . . . .
In the words of Anna Nalick’s song, “Breeeeeeathe. Juuuuust breathe.” I’m here to help you take a major step back, because I’ve got some really good news. There are actually a few things you can do / start thinking about now that will end up taking a LOT of stress off of you and your honey throughout your wedding planning journey. These tips and tricks will help you get an organized start with your wedding plans and will end up saving you a lot of stressful moments down the road!
Can we just take a moment for the magical Fall weather we’ve been having lately?! Thank you, Jesus!
You know we live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and let me just tell ya’ll: FALL IS HERE! Finally! I know my fellow babes across the Carolinas and Tennessee have also been ***BLESSED*** with the most perfect, slightly chilly Autumn weather this entire week! I hope ya’ll are enjoying this long-awaited season change as much as I am!
In honor of Autumn finally making an appearance, I’ve put together some links of my favorite sweaters for Fall. As always, the links are clickable + shoppable! 🙂
Be sure to check out the newest additions to the blog!
I’m super excited about the carousel-style slideshow of most recent blog posts over to the right.
The preview photos are clickable and will take you straight to the corresponding post! Check it out here:
There’s a brand new SHOP MY INSTA! tab in the menu up above.
The photos of recent outfits on my Instagram are clickable and will display shop-able links of exactly where everything’s from, and similar options of various price ranges! Check it out here:
Let’s dive in to some totally affordable, major on-sale Fall sweaters, shall we?!
Buy the major on sale version (under $30!!!!) HERE!
Is anyone else completely swooning over this beautiful Autumn weather we’ve been having lately? The weather in the Carolinas has been inching closer to the perfect Fall weather I crave all year long, and I am here for it.
Until Sunday – which happened to be the first day of October – the mornings and evenings were cool and lovely, but the majority of the day was still unbearably hot and humid. These past three days (*pleeease don’t let me jinx this!*) have been absolutely perfect, and I hope that kind of crisp October weather is here to stay!
This cream mug with gold flecks is from Anthropologie!
October is my favorite month of the year for so many reasons. The perfect Fall weather has been an always, but it’s also now – and for always – our wedding anniversary month! I can’t believe we’ll be celebrating one year of marriage this weekend, but I am so ready to celebrate that with my husband, ya’ll! It’s still so fun and new to say, “husband.” I like to think the giddy feeling that word brings me won’t ever quite wear off.
Speaking of husbands, I know of one hubby in particular who has a surprise planned for me this weekend . . . EEEK! I adore surprises and can’t wait to find out what he has planned for us for our anni. I was told to take this Friday off work, and I did . . . but I don’t know much beyond that. I’ll of course keep ya’ll posted on Instagram during our . . . I don’t know!?!?!?!?!
With the changing of seasons comes the changing of my coffee and tea temperatures . . . LOL, but really. I can be pretty seasonal when it comes to my coffee and tea orders. During the summer months, I am all about cold brew coffee and iced tea all day. But once the weather cools . . . there is absolutely nothing like a warm cup of tea to start, continue, and end the day.
Normally I spend, well, let’s just say way too much time in Trader Joe’s, Publix, World Market, Home Goods, and just about anywhere else you can find a decent assortment of teas. Smelling the boxes, reading the boxes, studying the artwork on the boxes, putting 10 different boxes in my shopping cart, putting back all but one or two, you know the “trying to find the perfect blend” drill. I can never decide on the right one – or just one – and I usually have buyer’s remorse for the blends I left behind.
The sample packs are always way overpriced, so that’s not an option, but I use to wish it was because different teas speak different languages. Green teas can help with weight loss and brain function, black teas can help with everything from low-concentration to poor blood circulation, Earl Grey teas are good for combating anxiety and depression, and the list goes on and on . . .
How perfect is the Fantastica Tea logo on each tea tag? I love the the classic leaf emblem and simplistic chic black and white lines. Be sure to use code “elle20” at checkout for a special discount!
Enter Fantastica Tea, a sweet little gem of a company that I am so glad to have connected with. For starters, I’m in love with the company’s motto:
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”
Fantastica Tea is the “tea of hope,” and everything in their work reflects that idea. From their customer service to the exploration and thought they put behind their tea blends, Fantastica Tea is the growing business you need to know about. Oh, and:
If you’ve seen my Insta, then you know we took a long weekend trip to Nashville last week to catch up with our college friends and attend our college roommate’s gorgeous Fall wedding! It was such an incredible trip, and Nashville was a whirlwind of fun as always.
We went to the Farmer’s Markets in both Clarksville and Nashville, ate at our favorite Clarksville restaurant and a new Nashville burger joint we’d never heard of, drank champagne, did a lot of catching up, and watched our sweet fraternity brother and sorority sister get married. It was almost too good, and we miss being there already.
A glimpse inside our lunch at Burger Republic, where the Tennessee Burger is a must according to the hubby.
How gorgeous is this mural in the Gulch area of Nashville? There was a line to take a picture here, ya’ll! I’d say we waited about 10 minutes, maybe a little less. Worth it. Nashville has so many cool pieces of art like this. I loved it!
I reached out to STRUT on Instagram when I realized the lovely Peyton Baxter was involved with the start-up of the brand. I’d been following Peyton on Instagram as a UT Vols fan/due to mutual friends, and when she launched her blog – love ‘n’ labels + @peyton.baxter on Instagram, a must-follow – I loooved following along. I was so inspired by her work ethic and even reached out to her for advice when starting my own blog! Needless to say, when I saw she was involved in STRUT I knew it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.
I am so honored and excited STRUT selected me to be an affiliate! This post has definitely been one of my favorite collabs to date. STRUT is owned by Rhonda of Spoiled Rotten Boutique in Knoxville, Tennessee. Be sure to stop by and check out STRUT’s other on-trend and chic designs if you’re local to the Knoxville area. If not, don’t worry at all! 😉 You can shop STRUT online by clicking HERE!
Ya’ll, I absolutely love STRUT’s classic style. A good graphic tee (or four) is a must for any chic yet effortlessly casual outfit, and STRUT’s designs couldn’t be more on-trend.
I wore my “RELAX” sweatshirt for so many different occasions, from a Memorial Day wedding weekend road trip to a Fall day-trip to Raleigh. It also is my go-to for lightweight comfort around the house. It’s so versatile, and the color and fit are perfect. It’s also an ideal warm-up or cool-down sweatshirt to wear to barre class or practice. This sweatshirt has been my go-to for my certification with Xtend Barre Charlotte, which you can read more about HERE!
The “Makeup Your Mind” graphic tee couldn’t be softer, and is perfect for a fun, fancy occasion or cozy-comfortable for Sunday brunch. And this “Shhh … I’m Dreaming” coffee mug?! Couldn’t be more adorable, or more accurate! I am fully asleep until I’ve finished my coffee in the morning, and I love the flirty eyelash design, too!
STRUT also carries high-end styles, accessories, athleisure wear, travel bags, sleepwear, and decals!
Keep scrolling for a look at these high-end styles for affordable prices!
Leave me a comment with your favorite STRUT design! I’m loving their seasonal designs right now! 😉
Let’s talk aboutlove at first foundation application, shall we?
Influenster is back at it again with some amazing new makeup – completely complimentary – to try out for you guys! I’ve received some pretty damn cool makeup from Influenster before, including Givenchy’s Noir Interdit Mascara (click to check out the blog post ALL about this lil’ game changer of a device), but this new foundation has to be my absolute favorite product I’ve received and tried out so far:
Make Up For Ever’s UltraHD Invisible Cover Foundation
The bumper sticker version, short + sweet: This product by Make Up For Ever is a bestselling HD foundation with an ultra-lightweight texture that “melts” into skin for unfiltered perfection in every light.
So, I’ve definitely heard of 4K and HD television, but never in reference to makeup. If you’re wondering why a makeup company made an HD foundation, I’ve got your answer, straight from the horse’s mouth:
Let’s talk decorating for Fall in style – and on a budget – shall we?
My favorite go-to place for Fall decor – if I had to pick just one – would have to be Michaels. Now, every single year, Home Goods, Kirkland’s, and Hobby Lobby are no disappointment, either . . . but, Michaels tends to have the best sales at the most reasonable times, and that’s why it’s just a cut above in my mind (for Fall decor – we all know Hobby Lobby slays at Christmas with its eyes closed).
I’ve seen Hobby Lobby put out Fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving decor – and on major sale – in late July/early August before. It’s absolutely ridiculous, because there’s no way I can justify bringing home a sparkle pumpkin before we’ve even had Labor Day, let alone the kiddos of the world heading back to school. It’s too much, too soon.
But Michaels has had a major sale on its Fall decor for the past two weeks, ya’ll! Ya know, as in the first two weekends in September, when the weather cools just enough to finally feel like Fall and the women of the world begin to crave their fave Fall lattes. I’ve been in Michaels for the past 2 weekends in a row to pick a various odd and/or end, and I have been impressed by the sale both times, particularly the percentage off and the array of goodies it covers.
And when I say “major sale,” I mean it . . . 50% OFF ALL FALL DECOR AT MICHAELS.Run, don’t walk. Pumpkin spice up your life!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful, long Labor Day Weekend! Leave me a comment about your fun, relaxing, or adventurous plans! I’d love to learn about what sets your soul on fire. Thomas and I spent a pretty perfect day date together on Saturday that had us feeling so romantic and completely lost in the moment. Our day date included us trying a surprisingly delicious new food together . . . and I’ll have a new post for you soon all aboutour new favorite lunch spot in Charlotte we fell in love with on Saturday!
On Sunday, we met our sweet friends, Michael and Sophie – who are recently engaged (eek!) and were in town for a friend’s wedding all the way from Florida – at an incredible brunch place (also coming to the blog in the near future, yay!). We spent the day with them exploring the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market, sampling local muscadine wines, fruits, and ciders. Sophie even found and purchased her wedding dress that day, and let me tell you . . . it. looks. AMAZING! Michael asked Thomas to be a groomsman, and we are so excited for their special day in 2018.
Later that evening, we saw Ed Sheeran in concert at the new Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte, and let me tell you . . . I could dedicate about a million blog posts to how incredible that boy was, and I still would never be able to do him justice. No exaggeration, Ed Sheeran was up there all alone on stage with a microphone, a guitar, and a loop kit, and HE. SLAYED. Just slayed my life away. Looped all his own bass by tapping on the guitar with his hands, looped all his own guitar parts, all his own harmonies . . . just freaking ran circles around himself in the most energetic, incredible, genius way.
Our wedding song was “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, so I don’t even think I have words for what it felt like to stand there in Row M on the Floor Level – literally 13 rows back from this sweet, conversational, talented guy that really knew how to make our entire crowd feel like a part of the evening – swaying in my husband’s arms as we danced to our wedding song LIVE.
It’s honestly a little bittersweet just because I know there are not many other concert experiences that will ever possibly compare. Probably one of the top two concerts of my life, you guys. (I’m pretty obsessed with / loyal to Fall Out Boy, sorry not sorry.) If you want to be proud of the money you spent to see a show and want to walk out those venue doors feeling like it was worth every penny, do yourself a favor and go see Ed Sheeran in concert.
Anyway, before the concert last night I wanted to cook dinner for our friends Michael, Chase, and Sophie, especially since we’d gone out for brunch a few hours ago, plus I knew Michael and Sophie had probably been pretty driving in from Florida and attending their friends’ wedding the day before. I wanted to make a dinner that was lightweight yet filling, because – let’s be honest – brunch involved a LOT of champagne and only the heaviest of carbs.
Not at brunch, betch. Brunch carbs actually don’t even count. Science.
