Celebrate the Last Daze of Summer....

Though I whole- heartedly refuse to acknowledge the lazy days of summer may be nearing a bittersweet end, the world of retail is reminding me at an increasingly rapid pace. That wonderful stretch of Summer Sales where a store's summer collection is at least 50% off is over. Sweaters and coats now fill the shelves. Just yesterday I strolled through Hobby Lobby only to be bombarded by an assortment of Christmas decorations. Luckily, Mother Nature is fighting the tug-of-war against red leaves and apple cyder . The Temperature, averaging the high 80's with humidity that has girls reaching for their Frizz-ease , has reminded me that summer, indeed isn't gone yet.

It's Fella Friday in the South

Well Ladies, (and my well appreciated Gentlemen readers), I’m dedicating Friday to the Guys. It’s simple; A little something for the Fella’s and the Girls who love them. This Fella Friday I’d like to chat about the beach. Do you notice when you go way down South, or to the East Coast there is a different way about the way many guys look and dress? I have a handful of guy friends who would label these types of men as preppy frat boys who need to man up and ditch the pastel shirts and Sperry Boat Shoes. Well, I have my own label for them. Confident. We all know it takes a real man to wear pink and it takes the shear attitude of “I’ve got it completely together and don’t care what you think of me” to wear starfish on his bow tie. I think there’s potential for a guy to overdo this look, but in moderation it can be incredibly appealing.
Charleston and Sea Side don’t have to be the only cities with Men walking down cobblestone streets in Sear Sucker Suits and Shorts embroidered with Little Red Lobsters. Fortunately a very impressive company, Southern Proper, is making it possible for men all over the South to get the “Just walked off a Boat in Nantucket” look! Check them out at http://www.southernproper.com/ or visit their site on Facebook. The two women who created this company consider it to be a tradition of Southern Men, in particular, to possess sophisticated and influential attire leading to their status of Southern Gentlemen. Southern Proper is a “southern-inspired line of clothing, neckties, bow ties and accessories for men who have a deep appreciation for style and heritage.”
While there are well thought out designs and color combinations in these collections, There are items that I’d steer clear from. While I’m not crazy about all the prints, I do think it’s a good idea for guys to go out on a limb and have fun with clothing. My advice….You don’t have to take on the lifestyle of a “Southern Proper male” completely, but why not splurge on one tie that is different from what everyone else is wearing? As I mentioned in my post to the ladies a few days ago…Uniqueness and confidence, if attained together is a set of qualities to be heavily admired…..No matter what print is on your tie.

Your naked clothes are begging to be accessorized

What is it about flowers that makes a girl happy? For me, it's the feeling of spring, of getting a surprise on a whim, the feeling of a summer breeze gliding across my face...Okay, I'll cut the romantic dramatic crap. I like flowers because: A. they smell good, and B. They can take a boring black outfit to absolute fashion fabulousness.

"Let them eat CUPcakes"

Marie Antoinettes' alarmed French commoners may not have found her infamous line so insulting if they lived in today's society where cupcakes are no longer a little blob of flour, sugar and egg in a pink paper wrapper; instead an art form; an over-the-top gourmet sought after treat.
I believe a personal forecast of the growing cupcake trend came a little over two years ago when it was ironically my father who informed me that wedding cakes are out of style. Apparently in South Florida cutting the cake was so five years ago and cupcakes for guests were all the rage. I don't believe that we Southerns have fully caught onto that trend, however, my friend Hannah had a lovely Winter Wedding last year and broke tradition with scrumptious Red Velvet Cupcakes. I certainly didn't hear any complaints.
Across the country, Gourmet cupcake bakeries are popping up. Here, in Nashville, you can expect to pay

Boarding the plane just to use one of these!

Something as small as a passport case may, to some,
be an item that should stay simple; i.e. Navy or Black leather. You wouldn't carry a plain Navy wallet would you? In this world of options, there is no excuse for boring. However, No matter the color or print I choose, I still stick to the traditional front with the word "PASSPORT" headlining nicely across the top. It's classic. Mixing Classic and fun is the perfect combination. How intriguing when you see someone in the airport holding a passport case! I always find myself wondering whether they just returned from a romantic city in Europe or some exotic adventure in South America.

Passport cases can be a little pricey, so look for a leather one that you know you'll still like in 5 or 10 years. Look at this purchase as an investment; Something that will be around when you take the vacations of a lifetime!




Left, I have found my exception to the Traditional "Passport on the cover" rule. How cute for all you newly weds out there to carry these black and Tiffany blue cases!



Mr & Mrs. covers, Top Right corner Panama Plaid covers, and middle right multi color cases all available on http://www.thisnext.com/

My Love Affair with Sun Dresses

Call me a girly girl at heart...but when May rolls around every year I pull out my personal favorite collection. My summer Sun Dresses! On average I usually add to my collection at least once a week. I have dresses hanging in my closet that have had the tags on them for two years. If I see a dress I love, I buy it; whether I have a place to wear it or not. End of story. I may need it someday. As Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie, says in Sex in the City, "I like my money right where I can see it, Hanging in my closet". Agreed. This summer my favorite is the maxi dress. Especially Strapless. Where them to a cook out...where them out on the town. It is a must for your wardrobe. I'd pair them with some flat sandals. If you're 5'2'' or shorter, wedges will do the trick.

Since I can remember, I've been engrossed by fashion and interior design. This is going to be my spot to rant about all the fabulous trends and tradition that engulf a stylish lifestyle. I'll get to write a little (an older passion of mine) and post pics of my ideal must haves. What I'm most excited about is getting feed back from people. Let me know what you think of my picks...even if you think they're totally off....