Swing Dress and Suede Boots

Even as we head full on into the holidays I'm still wearing fall colors on repeat.  This pumpkin color has been one of my favorites again this season (just take a look at my Instagram and you will see what I mean!) and I'm just not ready to trade it in for red and green ~ yet! Speaking of the holiday's... are you ready?  Y'all, I can't believe Christmas is only 11 days away!  I'm about 80% done with my shopping and 0% done with wrapping!  I know it will get done, it always does, but it's hard not to stress until the last gift is bought and under the tree!

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Lace-up Swing Dress: Entourage Clothing (Comes in black too!)

Faux Suede OTK Wedge Boot: Entourage Clothing (These are soooo comfy!)

Faux Suede Crossbody Bag: The one I'm carrying is sold out but I also have this one and love it!

Leopard Scarf: Similar

Gold Double Ring: Kendra Scott

Stud Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o

Wrap Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Sunglasses: Vera Bradley c/o

XO

Elizabeth

Photos by Virginia Hall at Lake Lanier, Georgia

Ladies Who Luxe

Two weeks ago I attended the Spanx Ladies Who Luxe dinner which was held again this year at one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants, St. Cecilia.  Wonderful food, great conversation, awesome company and fabulous fashion made for a perfect night.  As we wined and dined, we Blog Society ladies got to preview the fabulous new line from Spanx.  My favorites?  I loved it all but the moto leggings and girl shorts are at the top of my list.

I planned what I was going to wear to the event the previous night because I was going to be at the day job all day and would be rushing out the door to make it to Atlanta in time.  It ended up being really warm the night of the dinner and I had to change my preplanned outfit choice at the last minute.  I literally through this outfit together.  An easy, quick combo for times like this?  Favorite bottoms and booties, a simple tunic tee and completer piece ~ and of course ~ fabulous accessories!!

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Ponte and Faux Leather Leggings: Diana Warner | These Spanx moto leggings have been on constant repeat since I brought them home from the dinner!

Sleeveless Cardigan Vest: TJMaxx | Similar HERE

White Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Tee: Nordstrom

Burgundy Suede Booties: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Necklace: Stella & Dot (It can be worn several ways!)

Rings: HERE, HERE and HERE

Ear Jackets: Stella & Dot (These are amazing!! They are going to be my holiday go-to's!)

Quilted Leather Clutch: Vera Bradley c/o

I'll be styling some of my Spanx goodies on the blog soon (those items that you can see... ;-), so stay tuned!

XO

Elizabeth

Photos by Molly Moon Burton

Styled Three Ways ~ Vera Bradley "Meredith" Crossbody Bag

My blogger bests, Jennifer Duvall of JennySue Makeup and Molly Moon Burton of Hey There Sunshine, and I decided to start a blog series called "Styled Three Ways" where each of us style the same item our own way and share all three looks with our readers.  It should be a lot of fun because we are each in a different age group (yes, I'm oldest!) and we each have our own unique style, plus it gives us a reason to meet for dinner a few times a month!  First up in our series is a cute tango red crossbody bag from our favorite bag brand Vera Bradley.  I love a good crossbody bag ~ especially when it's made of the softest leather around, has plenty of room for all of my necessities and is the perfect Georgia red!!

For today's look I went with a gray, white and black plaid flannel shirt dress, a black faux leather vest and black leather (barely) over the knee boots to make my bright red bag (and lip) really stand out.  A shirt dress is always flattering and versatile.  The tie waist lets you control the cinch and the shirttail hem gives it a casual vibe.  It's great for the office or for game-day.  The one I'm wearing is a recent TJMaxx purchase but I found a identical one for you here.  I wanted to add something to my outfit to give it a little edge and this black faux leather vest did just that.  Over the knee boots are a big trend again this season.  Make sure when you pair yours with a skirt or dress to show a little leg between the hem and the boots to balance out your look.  My necklaces, bracelets and earrings are all Stella & Dot.

Now head over to Jennifer's Blog and Molly's Blog to see how my beautiful blogger besties styled their Vera Bradley Meredith Crossbody Bags!  And check out this recent post from my blog featuring another of my favorite Vera Bradley bags!

XO

Elizabeth

Photos by Molly Moon Burton

My Swimsuit Story

Here's a little tidbit about me, I've always been an avid exerciser but I've also always struggled with my weight.  I've been every size from a 00 to a 12.  Seriously.  Many summers I've been in good enough shape to wear bikini while at the beach or pool.  But there have been some years, like after babies and after my daughter's long hospital stay where I lived on cafeteria food and cupcakes, that I've had to switch to a one-piece or tankini to spare everyone from the sight of my, um, not-so-toned midsection.  Last summer I reaped the rewards of a year of really hard work and a strict diet and was able to bring a wardrobe of bikini's with me to the beach.  Well, this summer rolled around and after a long year of a lot of stress, I've gained fifteen pounds and the bikini's were staying home.  It used to be that stress caused me to loose weight but once I reached 40 it has done the opposite.  The over 40 weight struggle is real, friends!  One of my dear friends described trying to keep your weight down after 45 like trying to keep a beach ball under the water.  The minute you force it down it pops right back up again!  Ugh! So I had to go dreaded swimsuit shopping before our family beach vacation.  Fortunately there are a lot of really cute tankini's and one piece swimsuits out there.  There are also cute cover-ups for the beach/pool days you're wanting to just sit under the umbrella and read a good book.

I love mixing patterns, even with my swimsuits!
Striped Halter Tankini Top: Target
Polka-dot Bikini Bottoms: Target
Kimono With Fringe: The Loft Boutique (sold out) Similar
Beach Read: Judy Blume
Sunnies: Quay Australia
Fedora: Target

Scarves make great cover-ups!  I'll do a tutorial soon.
Tankini Top: Victoria's Secret
Bikini Bottoms: Victoria's Secret
Large Scarf: Stella & Dot
Floppy Hat: Natural Paper Company
Sunnies: T.J.Maxx (These are similar and at the top of my wish list!)

I love a white swimsuit, especially after spending a few days in the sun.  I decided the tie-dyed bottoms, instead of white, added some interest.
Tankini Top: Victoria's Secret
Bottoms: T.J.Maxx ~ These were from one of last year's bikini's and still fit so I decided to get a tankini top to go with them.  Here's a similar option.
Flip Flops: Michael Kors
Hat: The Natural Paper Company
Sunnies: Similar
Beach Read: Judy Blume c/o PopSugar Must Have Box

I opted for a new all red tankini because I was hoping for the BayWatch effect ala Pamela Anderson.  It didn't work... ;-)
Tankini Top: Target
Tankini Bottoms: Target
Flip Flops: Michael Kors
Tie-dyed Tunic Top Used as a Cover-up: Entourage
Beach Read: Sophie Kinsella
Sunnies: Quay Australia

What's your swimsuit story?  

XO
Elizabeth

This week I'm linking up with some of my favorite blogs/bloggers.  Links in sidebar.

Limits and Favorites

I'm back after an almost six week, completely unintended blogging break.  It's a long story but it all boils down to the fact that I was trying my hardest to do it all and it got the best of me.  Keeping up with a very stressful day job, getting my Stella & Dot business off the ground, taking care of my family, running a home, being a good friend, daughter, sister, the blog, up at 4:15am to not hit the pillow until after 11:00pm (and the list goes on) made me exhausted, overwhelmed and sick.  I got shingles due to the stress.  I kept telling myself I could keep going, that I could keep doing it all but I realized that I have my limits.  I hate to admit it.  As a type A, never stop kind of person it's a hard realization, but I can't do it all.  Or maybe I can for a while (which I'd been doing) but the exhaustion, stress and anxiety would catch up and take me out for a while.  So I had to back off of a few things, get rest and get better.  I also had to make some decisions about letting some things go and I have decided that the day job is it.  So June 1st I will be moving on and focusing on my Stella & Dot business and the blog/styling/personal shopping.  It's a leap of faith but it's time, it's necessary and it's really exciting!  Thank you for hanging in there for this little hiatus of mine and not leaving me!  I promise there are great things to come for Mz Savvy Style!!  Until June, when I can finally have the time I need to blog several times a week, I'll do my best to post at least twice a week.  I've missed the creativity of blogging and I've missed all of you!

Now back to fashion...  I've got several sets of really great winter outfit pictures that I want to share with you all before it gets too warm out and faux fur and layers looks silly.  I'll throw in a little spring style inspiration along the way too until I totally transition over to the new season.

This outfit consists of most of my favorite pieces from this fall/winter season ~ the perfect leopard pumps, distressed boyfriend jeans (I'm obsessed with distressed denim - it's become an addiction!), snakeskin cross-body bag with a gorgeous gold chain strap, the coolest faux fur/sweatshirt jacket and a mixed metal tassel necklace that goes with everything!

This Tassel Necklace is a must have for every wardrobe!  It's my go-to.

... At least not all at once!

Shoes are Nine West, jeans are Genetic c/o Encore Athens (love these), faux fur jacket is from Piperlime, bag is Cynthia Rowley from T.J. Maxx a few years ago (this one is at the top of my spring wish list!) and my jewelry is all Stella & Dot!!

One more REALLY cool thing I wanted to share with all of you... Alyson, the fabulous blogger behind the must read blog The Average Girl's Guide, did a post on the best style bloggers over 40 and guess who made the list?!  Me!  Check it out here!

XO
Elizabeth


All photos are by Diana Zylow

This week's linkups are in the side bar --->

Fair Isle Favorite

It's the countdown to Christmas!  Good grief I'm busy and I know you all are too so I'll keep this post short and sweet!  Do you know when you have something in mind that you really want ~ like the perfect pair of shoes, bag or jeans ~ and when you finally find it you buy it on the spot, no questions asked (like "how much"?)?  That's how it was with this sweater.  I'd been wanting to add the perfect cozy fair isle cardigan to my winter wardrobe and when I was away with The Hubs for my birthday a few weeks ago I found it at fab'rik Dunwoody.  Fortunately he liked the cardi as much as I did, and fab'rik was having a 33% off everything in the store sale so everyone was happy!

What I'm Wearing ~
Fair Isle Cardigan: fab'rik Dunwoody {Similar}
Faux Leather Leggings: Bevello Lenox {Similar and on sale!}
Gray Tunic Tee: TJMaxx {Similar}
Gray Suede Boots: Encore Athens {Similar and 50% off!!)
Bag: Vintage Coach via Agora Vintage Athens {Current Version}
Statement Necklace: Stella & Dot

This hair, y'all!!  I was in desperate need of a cut and color when these pics were taken a few weeks back.  Thank goodness it's been remedied!

Ring: Stella & Dot (It comes in a set of three stackable rings but I'm just wearing one.)  Earrings: Stella & Dot (These can be worn three different ways!!  I'm wearing them as studs.)

So, are you ready for Thursday?  I still have a few gifts to get, mostly stocking stuffers and a few things for The Hubs, and ALL of my wrapping to do, plus baking... but it's all good because it is the most wonderful time of the year!!  Coming to the blog Wednesday ~ what I'll be wearing for Christmas Eve!

XO
Elizabeth


Pictures by the fabulous Diana Zylow

Linkups in the sidebar

Leopard is Always a Good Idea

Can you believe Christmas is less than ten days away?  I have just started my Christmas shopping - like yesterday - so between the day job, blog, Stella & Dot and getting ready for the quickly approaching holiday I'm running crazy!  What do you wear when you're running from one thing to the next?  I reach for comfy leggings (leather or pointe knit are my favorites), a tunic top (leopard is always a good idea, it makes any outfit chic), a stylish cardi (this one is from The Loft Boutique and I'm loving the fringe and fabulous wine color!), flat boots and a cross body bag that's easy to sling on and go!

What I'm Wearing ~
Wine Sweater: c/o The Loft Boutique {similar}
Leopard Top: T.J.Maxx {similar}
Pointe Leggings: Nordstrom
Tan Suede Boots: Encore Athens {LOVE this over the knee pair}
Bag: Agora Vintage Athens {similar}
Rebel Pendant, Engravable Disc Necklace, Eden Bangle, Inspiration Bangle, Chevron Ring

How do you stay comfy and stylish this busy time of the year?

XO
Elizabeth


Photos by Diana Zylow

Check out the side bar for this week's linkups!

Yo-yo Weather Style

The weather here has been doing what the weather always does here this time of the year ~ yo-yo's from cold to warm and back again!  It's warm again this week with the promise (yes, it's a promise to a cold weather loving girl like me) of cooler temps coming soon.  So what does someone wear for this yo-yo weather we've been experiencing?  Favorite denim shorts and a Chanel inspired jacket, of course!  Layers are your best bet for this time of the year ~ you can put them on and take them off as needed.  And pairing a dressy jacket and pumps with distressed denim shorts is fun and unexpected!

What I'm Wearing ~
Hot Pink Cropped Jacket: Cynthia Rowley via T.J.Maxx / Similar here
Distressed Denim Shorts: Gap
Striped Top: Old Navy
Striped Pumps: Forever 21 last year / Similar here

Something I love to do any time of the year is layer my jewelry!  Neck parties and arm stacks are my favorite!!  Bring on the bling!! Pop Geo Necklace, Eye Candy Necklace and Nancy Studs all from Stella & Dot

Pave Chevron Cuff, Strength Bracelet (100% of the proceeds for the entire month of October go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation for breast cancer research!!), Arrison Stretch Bracelet all from Stella & Dot 

I layered two of my favorite statement necklaces to make a bright, bold neck party!
Eye Candy Necklace  and Pop Geo Necklace both from Stella & Dot

XO
Elizabeth


Photos by my awesome photographer, Diana Zylow


Linking up with Random Wednesday, The Pleated Poppy, Working Girl With Style, Red Tag Chic LA and Mix and Match Fashion