Two for One

It's still officially summer for a few more days and it's still summer on the blog with two mostly white outfits from The Loft Boutique.  Yep, it's a two for one today!  Because both of these outfits are from early in the summer most of what I'm wearing is sold out ~ but ~ I've found similar, and in a few cases identical, pieces for your shopping pleasure! ;-)

Orange Scarf: Similar | White Pants: Identical | Tote: Obsessed with this one from Vera Bradley! | White Tunic: Similar | Wedges: Similar

White Vest: Identical | Floral Top: This one would transition into fall beautifully | Tote: Almost Identical | White Pants: Identical | Wedges: Similar | Betsy Pittard Necklace: In a different color combo

I'm almost ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall ~ how about you?!

XO

Elizabeth


Photos by Ashton Jones Photography

One of My Favorites of the Summer

I'm wrapping up the final bit of summer (the last official day is a week from today, September 22nd) in my next three blog posts with a few of my favorite not-blogged-yet summer outfits.  Today's outfit tops my list of Summer 2015 favorites!  It' a little lacy-feminine, a little boho-cool and 100% from The Loft Boutique.  If you follow me on Instagram, which you should ;-), you got a sneak peek here earlier in the summer.  This may be a summer outfit but a few of the pieces are hot trends for fall ~ can you guess what they are?

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Young & Beautiful Duster: The Loft Boutique (On sale for $14.99!! ~ hurry before it's gone!!)
White Lace Dress: The Loft Boutique | Sold out ~ Similar here
Faux Suede Booties: The Loft Boutique | Sold out ~ LOVING this pair with fringe!  So on-trend for fall!
Fringe Bag: The Loft Boutique | Identical
Necklace: Betsy Pittard Designs via The Loft Boutique

XO

Elizabeth


Photos by Ashton Jones Photography

This week I'm linking up with some of my favorite blogs ~ links in sidebar.

Tie-Dye Tunic

Tie-dye is everywhere right now and I'm glad because I'm really loving it!  It's kind of boho/hippy and trendy at the same time.  I scooped up this cute tie-dye tunic on a recent stop at Entourage.  The wear-with-everything black and white pattern and the fun high/low hem sold me!  It's great for summer with shorts and a kimono (or alone) but will transition well into fall with black skinnies and an open-front cardigan.

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Tie-Dye Tunic: Entourage | This one is sold out online but I found two similar tanks here and here.
Kimono: The Loft Boutique c/o | Sold out online. Similar here.
White Denim Cutoffs: Target
Black Lace-up Low Wedges: Target | Sold out online. Edgier version here.
Clutch: Stella & Dot
Bianca Lariat, Crescent Bar Necklace, Pave Triangle Ear Jackets, Cady Wrap Bracelet, Odette Ring
Turquoise Pedi Polish: Absolute New York
Sunnies: Coach

Are you a fan of the tie-dye trend?
XO

Elizabeth


Photos by Virginia Hall


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

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.

Not So Mellow Yellow

Yellow is such a happy color, don't you think?  I don't own or wear enough of it!  I was instantly drawn to this gorgeous bright yellow tunic during my styling session at The Loft Boutique and knew I wanted to incorporate it into one of my outfits.  I paired it with these super comfortable Slim-Sation pants which I cuffed for a more summer/beach vibe.  A coordinating scarf, white t-strap wedges and a coral bag, which adds a fun, contrasting pop of color, completes this spot-on-for-summer look.  Savvy Style Tip ~ Don't be afraid to mix in a contrasting pop of color (or two).  It makes an outfit more interesting!

~ What I'm Wearing ~
Yellow Tunic / White Slim Pants / Scarf (sold out) - Similar HERE and HERE / Coral Fossil Crossbody Bag (it's on super sale!) / White Wedge Sandal (sold out) - Loving THESE by Tory Burch / Sunnies - Similar HERE
(My entire look is c/o The Loft Boutique)

How gorgeous is this location?  Beautiful Hiawassee, Georgia made the perfect backdrop for our photoshoot!

XO

Elizabeth



Photos by Ashton Jones Photography


Linking up with some of my favorite blogs/bloggers this week ~ links in sidebar


Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Summer Boho Vibes

I normally stick with classic styles in my wardrobe but this fringey top put out such a fun summer boho vibe I had to try it!  I paired it with two boho inspired necklaces (I love layering jewelry!), slightly distressed skinny jeans (cuffed for the warmer weather and the beach location), a classic straw tote and super cute (and comfy) animal print wedges.  

Savvy Style Tip: Head-to-toe theme or trend dressing is okay for teens and twenties but as you get older only wear a piece or two of a theme or trend at a time and go with more classic pieces for the rest of your outfit. 

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Crochet Fringe Top / Distressed Jeans - Same without the distressing / Straw Tote - Similar / Dream Catcher Necklace / Gold Cluster Necklace - Similar / Giraffe Crossover Wedge

XO

Elizabeth



Head to toe look is from The Loft Boutique in beautiful Hiawassee, Georgia and styled by me!
Photos by Ashton Jones Photography





Linking up with some of my favorites blogs ~ links in sidebar

Sun-Kissed Duster

What's better than a breezy duster maxi on a hot summer day?  Keeps you looking stylish and put together while staying cool!  It's easy to dress up with a bold statement necklace and colorful wedges or dress down with delicate jewelry and gladiators.  You could even toss on a denim jacket for cooler nights.

What I'm Wearing ~

Pink Platform Wedge, Sun-Kissed Duster Dress, Straw Tote (Similar), Statement Necklace (love this one), Sunnies (Similar)
(My head to toe look is from The Loft Boutique and styled by me)

XO

Elizabeth



Photos by Ashton Jones Photography



Linking up with some of my favorite blogs ~ links in sidebar

Next Chapter

It's been a while!  Last Wednesday was the last day at what I've always referred to here as my "day job".  After 10+ years there, with the last one being over-the-top stressful, I made the decision to leave and pursue my "next chapter" ~ being a full-time Stella & Dot Stylist, Fashion Blogger and Wardrobe Stylist!  I'm slightly nervous ~ going from a steady (all be it small) paycheck to straight commission and client by client pay can be a little unsettling ~ but it was time to do what I love.  The things I'm passionate about (besides my family) were taking a back burner because the "day job" was taking all of my time and energy.  So, I'm back!  Regular posting will resume as of today.  I've updated my SHOP page with some of my favorite summer finds and I've updated my STELLA & DOT page with new how-to-style images and info on the most current Stella pieces.  Make sure you check them both out ~ and do a little summer shopping while you're there!

About a month ago I was presented with the opportunity to work with one of my all-time favorite boutiques and be "the face" of their new misses line!  Such an honor as well as exciting!  My daughter and I took a day and headed up to beautiful Hiawassee, Georgia in the North Georgia Mountains for a styling session and photo shoot at The Loft Boutique.  The shop's owner Brette, who is as smart and gorgeous as she is sweet, and the shop's manager Ashton, who is super business savvy as well as an amazingly talented photographer, gave me full rein over styling their well curated misses line.  After a few hours of my pulling looks together and trying everything on, we loaded all of the chosen clothes, shoes, bags and accessories in to our cars, along with a changing tent, and headed down to the nearby lake.  It was the perfect backdrop for our shoot!  It was a little windy but was an absolutely beautiful day for our first website (their) - blog (mine) photo session.

Today's outfit features one of my favorite trends ~ pattern mixing.  Pattern mixing always makes an outfit more interesting!  I used the blue in the print of the pants to go with the blue in the print of the vest.  I kept the rest of the outfit solid since both patterns are larger and adding another print would have been overwhelming.  I could have gone with a neutral pair of shoes but adding the pop of unexpected color with the raspberry espadrille wedges adds another point of interest and plays off of the colors in the necklace.

Let's talk about these pants for a minute ~ if you are looking for slimming pants that are perfectly cropped (on trend for summer) and tailored than look no further!  They come in several different colors and patterns.  Get more info HERE or call the store at 706-898-5191 and the awesome stylists will be happy to help you!

Thanks for hanging with me through this last year of transition!  The next chapter is going to be so much fun!

XO
Elizabeth


Photos by Ashton Jones Photography




I'm linking up with some of my favorite blogs ~ all links are 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!