friday's fancies #96.

A very happy Friday to you! This week for Friday's Fancies, we're bringing our latest outfit crushes to life. I would love to take this perfectly fierce outfit and make it my own. It may not be super fashion forward, but it is polished and perfect for me :) Here is how I would pull it together...

With a super high coziness factor, this MINKPINK Sands of Time Sweater jumped right into my heart. It would also pair beautifully with any colored pants I add to my wardrobe this fall ;)

Though I contemplated keeping the leopard alive in my accessories, I opted for these classic Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Twist Cabochon Stud Earrings. One of these days, I'll get the guts to mix prints.

I spied these sassy Sidewalk Skimmers by Madewell and knew they would be the perfect touch of leopard. I just love the subtle pointed toes!

Though these pants aren't the same shade of orange as the picture, I had to use my favorite J.Crew Minnie Pants for this ensemble. The vibrant flame color makes a statement without going over the top!
---
Join the Friday's Fancies fun by creating an outfit you love--without worrying about the pricetag. Get the weekly themes in your inbox by adding yourself to the mailing list here! Any and all fashion posts are welcome--whether you follow the theme or not :)
---
Many thanks to my Friday's Fancies faithful for the weekly stream of inspiration and to Pinterest for keeping it all in one place! I can't wait to see what is inspiring you this week :) Endless love to those of you linking up...you really are the best! Wherever you spend it, I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

oh, hello.

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know my love of Kate Spade runs deep. I also really adore snail mail, but in today's day and age, I can settle for a really cute email. Paperless Post is my go-to for such goodness--and I've shared my love for this electronic "day-maker" before. They just scored a ridiculous collaboration with the geniuses of Kate Spade...and yes, you can thank me later.

Paperless Post and Kate Spade really outdid themselves with this collection. Beyond these beauties, they also have some phenomenal holiday cards! If you're trying to keep it green this year, look no further than Paperless Post. You're also bound to brighten someone's day with this collection :)

Beyond Kate Spade, I adore Rifle Paper Co. and SCOUT'S HONOR Co. for their snail mail goodness.  The best part about actual notecards? There seems to be an endless supply of great designers, leading me to this all-important question:

P.S. Here is all you need to know about tomorrow's Friday's Fancies! You can also find a burgundy bargain round-up from yours truly on Henry Happened. 

chocolate fix.

Goodness gracious, writing this post made me HUNGRY. Contrary to what you might think, it isn't my week to crave such chocolatey treats ;) Maybe it is the recent influx of sweet treats on Pinterest, but whatever it is: I'm loving it. If a recipe includes chocolate chips, peanut butter, sea salt, or cookie dough, my name is all over it.

With the temperatures cooling down a bit, toting around chocolate treats is much easier than in the summer heat. Here are seven of my latest cravings. Can you blame me?

find the recipes here (from top left): Chocolate Cookie Dough Truffles via Bakerella | Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter + Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies via Ambitious Kitchen | Buckeye Bark via Live Sigma Kappa | Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls via averie cooks | Chocolate Peppermints via she wears many hats | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter Cups via how sweet it is | Peanut Butter + Fleur de Sel Brownies via love & olive oil

Though you and I can't have these treats every day {without hours in the gym}, it is nice to have a few recipes up my sleeve. I also think these totable treats will be welcome additions to our fall party rotation. If you want further temptation, follow my tasty pins! Now, tell me:

P.S. There is a little story from yours truly over on Inspiration and Rough Drafts this week. Check it ;)

take it easy.

I grew up listening to songs like "Take It Easy" by the Eagles. I only wish I did a better job of channeling such tunes in my daily life. As I think most of us have learned, certain days are more stressful than others. Today is one of them for me. I'll get through it, especially when I have mantras like "take it easy" echoing through my head...

I am so grateful to have this blog as a creative outlet on days like this. I don't talk about it much, but I do have a 9-to-5 sales job which helps to pay our bills. When I have a hectic day at work, your comments and emails encourage me more than you'll ever know.

Though I'm not particularly good at taking it easy, I am going to channel the Eagles today. I don't mean that I won't give 110%--I simply mean that I am not going to sweat the small stuff. Join me :)

a case study.

Two years ago, I finally ditched my Blackberry and came over to the iPhone--and haven't looked back since. As fate would have it, my plan was up for renewal when they announced the iPhone 5 a few weeks ago. Though I didn't wait in a crazy line on Friday, I did manage to pre-order one of my own :) I finally got my shipping notice on Saturday and cannot wait to get it in my hands later this week.

The only problem? I am an absolute fanatic when it comes to my iPhone case. With very few options available so far, I decided to let you all benefit from my research. Here is my little case study:

LEFT COLUMN: Case-Mate Glam Glitter Case + Jen Ramos Colors 201 Case + Case-Mate rPet 100% Recycled Case + Kate Spade Crossword Puzzle Case  | CENTER COLUMN: OtterBox Defender Series Case + Belkin Flex Case + Belkin View Case | RIGHT COLUMN: Case-Mate Tortoiseshell Case + Case-Mate Barely There Ultrathin Case + Paperfashion Floral Print Case + J.Crew Leather Case

I haven't made up my mind just yet, but I know I have to make a decision fast! Any advice?

friday's fancies #95.

Happy Friday from New Hampshire! Later today, {cv}'s cousin will be walking down the aisle, so we're up here for the festivities :) Even though I'm traveling, #FridaysFancies must go on! With football season in full swing, I thought it might be fun to have a week focused on what to wear to the big game.

Since Georgetown is more of a basketball school than a football school, I decided to go with my home team--the Indianapolis Colts! The NFL football divide in our little family is strong: {cv} is a BIG Patriots fan and I always like to remind him of our little rivalry. {Growing up in Indiana, I am a legitimate Colts fan; I don't just do it to annoy his Patriot-loving heart!} If we were attending a Colts tailgate, you would find me wearing something much like this. It may not be very fancy, but for those of you who know me, you will know this is right up my alley!

This Indianapolis Colts T-Shirt would be perfect for an early fall tailgate!

Let's be honest: I've been lusting over this Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote for years. On the upside, if I ever do invest in it, I'll know it will stand the test of time. It would be perfect for a tailgate too!

They may be basic, but these Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight Leg Jeans are far from boring. These beauties would be a fantastic addition to my denim rotation.

How many times have I included a pair of Kate Spade Gumdrop Stud Earrings in my Friday's Fancies? It's almost embarrassing. I think it means one thing: I need a rainbow of them!

To say I want a pair of these Tory Burch Nadine Riding Boots is a gross understatement. I need them! For right now, I have to hold on to that cash for our house. I'll get them one day ;)
---
Join the #FridaysFancies family--click here to get the themes delivered each week to your inbox!
If you're new to this link-up, the weekly themes are only a starting point. It's all about dreaming big and not worrying about the pricetags. Trust me, it's fun :) If you have another fashion post from the week, you are more than welcome to share it. All are welcome! Email me with any questions. I'm an open book!
---
Thank you so much for making last week a record-breaking Friday's Fancies! I'm so grateful for each and every one of you who take the time to link up. I hope you all have a fantastic FALL weekend. {Can you believe it's here!?} Stay tuned to my Instagram for updates from yours truly! See you on Monday :)

P.S. Don't miss my guest post on Betsy Transatlantically! :)

charleston naturally.

Though I'm rather low-maintenance, I always have my eye out for new beauty products. My newest sponsor, Charleston Naturally, is an absolutely incredible purveyor of organic skin care products. I love that they deem their all natural products "eco-chic". Spot on, if you ask me. Here are my faves...

find them here: Juice Beauty Green Apple Nutrient Eye Cream | Coola Total Body Organic Sunscreen
100% Pure Red Wine Resveratrol Nourishing Cream | Suki Pure Facial Moisture-Nourishing Oil Concentrate
Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate | Glominerals Bronze | Dr. Hauschka Lemon Body Wash
ilike St. John's Wort Eye Contour Cream
---
The best part? Charleston Naturally is giving {long distance loving} readers 20% off their entire site with the code: LDL20. Bonus? Any orders over $75 ship for free! If you ask me, it feels good to be eco-chic. I'm all about products which can help me lead a good life--especially if they smell good and feel great ;) Have a great Thursday, friends!

P.S. So so excited to see your Friday's Fancies for tomorrow! Remember: any + all fashion posts are welcome :)

lowcountry love.

Back when we got married in 2010, wedding blogs were just gaining steam. Though I'm jealous of current brides who have so many resources at the click of a mouse, I think I would get very overwhelmed with all the inspiration. When my bff {kj} asked me to be in her wedding next June {!!!}, I knew I had to wise up on weddings again. With her direction in the color department, I created a Pinterest board for her sure-to-be-gorgeous Lowcountry wedding! Here's a peek at what I've pulled together so far...

find them here: cake: source, taken by Erin Hearts Court | bouquet: source, taken by Austin Gros 
table: source, taken by Caroline Joy | place setting: source, taken by Katie Stoops | vases: source

I'm seriously loving the softness of her color palette...isn't it perfect for an early summer soirée??

{source: Grey Likes Weddings, taken by Lola Elise}

{kj} and her fiancé smartly hired a wedding planner, but I'm happy to do some fun research for her on the side. It will be fun to share bits and pieces of it with all of you too :) I am so so honored to stand beside her on her big day--and couldn't be more excited to see her wedding come together. Knowing this pair, it will be a picture-perfect Southern wedding. I'm counting down the days already! Love you, {kj}!

all my essentials.

39 days from today, I'll be running the Marine Corps Marathon in DC! I haven't run a full marathon since 2004, so the pre-race jitters are already in full force. I have been fine-tuning my routine to see what products do {and don't work} for me. Some of these goodies are recent favorites, but others have been in my repertoire for years. These are my latest running essentials...

Clif Shot Bloks - I like these "gummies" because I can spread them out over a few miles, rather than all at once. | Johnson's Baby Powder - With a little baby powder, I help reduce the possibility for chafing by minimizing sweat ;) | Aquaphor Healing Ointment - For the times I do chafe or get a blister, I lather myself in this goodness. It seriously works. | Spenco Total Support for Her Insoles - After six weeks of running in these insoles, my only regret is that I didn't find them sooner. The insoles in your running shoes are probably thin and {reasonably} worthless. They're more than worth the $30 pricetag. | iFitness Hydration Belt - I always made fun of people who wore these--until I had to do an 18-miler solo. It was my saving grace--and it stays in place!

The Stick Marathon Stick - I bought my Stick back in 2004 and religiously used it ever since. It definitely helps work through the tightness in my thighs and calves. | Sweaty Bands Bandit-Rock Solid Headband - My bff running guru {kp} swears by these headbands, but I was skeptical--until I ran with one. They stay put and help keep sweat out of your eyes. I want one in every color! | Body Glide for Her Anti-Chafing Stick - This stick helps for the waistband of my shorts--and everywhere else I need it ;) | Moving Comfort Maia Sports Bra - After years of double sports bras, I finally said good-bye when I discovered these armor-like beauties. They may not be colorful, but I don't care. No more uni-boob or "bouncage" for me!

P.S. I can't attest to be a professional runner. I'll leave that to my junior prom date, who really i. (And no, it wasn't {cv} ha!)

it's time to clean up.

Happy Monday, friends! In my opinion, this post is an important one, so please give me a minute to explain myself ;) I had a long to-do list on Saturday, but I spent a good three hours re-organizing my Pinterest boards. Was it necessary? No. Was it cathartic? Absolutely. It was so interesting to see how much my style has changed since I first jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon. 

I also started noticing an alarming trend. Many of my earlier pins had terrible sourcing. When I say terrible, some were linked to google.com or simply had no source at all. I couldn't believe it--and started feeling pretty awful I'd let it get that bad. This got me thinking: isn't the whole point of Pinterest being able to have a visual sourcebook for your inspiration? If so, why would we be linking to search engines? Shouldn't we be click through and actually find out more about the content? 

I spend a considerable amount of time creating my posts--and I know those of you who blog do the same. While somewhat flattering, it is beyond defeating to see your work used elsewhere without somehow getting credit. For photographers and designers, I can only imagine their extreme frustration when they see their work without their name attached. I realized I needed to do something to fix it. Fast.

While I didn't have time this weekend to go through and find the proper sourcing for all 1500 of my pins, I certainly plan to do so over the course of football season. {Does anyone else seem to get so much more done when football is on for an entire Sunday? I know I do.} I know it won't happen overnight, but I'll feel so much better once it is done. It's so important.

How exactly am I going to clean up my Pinterest? This bookmarklet searches the interwebs to find all pages with any particular image. {Lisa told me about this incredible resource earlier this year.} Everyone should have it. It's an easy drag+drop into your bookmarks bar--much like the one you use for Pinterest. It may take some digging, but you'll probably find some other great content in the process.

I'd love it if you joined me in this clean-up! It will go a long way to keeping Pinterest around for many years to come. If we're not cognizant of it now, we may lose this resource we love so much due to major legal issues from improper sourcing. {I know that sounds a little "doomsday", but trust me--I've heard rumblings of such issues already!} I'll get off my soapbox now, but thank you for listening.

If you'd like to join this clean-up, help to spread the word on twitter using the #cleanupyourpinterest hashtag and this shortened link: bit.ly/cuypin1 :) xoxo {av}

friday's fancies #94.

Greetings! This week's Friday's Fancies is sure to be a crowd pleaser. With fall on the horizon, I thought it would be the perfect week to share our autumn lust lists! The outfit below contains five bombshell pieces which would make my fall wardrobe infinitely more exciting. Enjoy!

Talk about a showstopper: this J.Crew Collection Lace-Trim Blouse would be an immediate style upgrade. The punchy purple, paired with the lace, made me so so happy.

I don't know if I could ever really pull off these Citizens of Humanity Rocket Skinny Faux Leather Jeans, but you better believe I can in my Friday's Fancies. They're certainly on my lust list ;)

The fine details of this See by Chloe Ambre Big Tote make it so much more than a simple black tote. It makes my lust list because every woman needs a bag like this in their rotation!

When it comes to jewelry this fall, I'm dreaming of pieces like this Hera Bangle from Lulu Frost. It makes a statement--without making it too "now" to wear years down the line.

It's no wonder these Prada Platform Bow Pumps made their way into my heart. I am a sucker for bows on my toes ;) Though I don't own any Prada, I'd love to see these magically appear in my closet.

---

Want to join in the Friday's Fancies fun? Join the mailing list here and get the themes for future weeks in your inbox every Monday! {Next week will be especially fun--it's football frenzy week :) If you want your own personalized Friday's Fancies banner, click here.} Any and all fashion posts are welcome for Friday's fancies, so don't worry if yours doesn't fit with the theme.
---
I can't wait to see what the Friday's Fancies faithful is lusting after this week. I really need to finalize my fall shopping list and I know your posts will help me do just that :) I hope your Friday goes speedily--and that you have a lovely weekend! I'll see you back here on Monday!

shingle love.

Happy Thursday! I haven't written much about our house progress lately, so I thought I'd give you a little update. We're edging closer and closer to the actual build--and we're so excited! After months of review, our floorplan looks better than we ever dreamed. We are absolutely learning that building a house has its limitations {i.e. my favorite pinterest kitchens are absurdly expensive}, but we're better for it now. The final start date should be cemented soon {no pun intended!}. eeee!

{SOURCES} top half: large left + top right + bottom right | bottom half: left + right | title background

As you might imagine, I am on the constant hunt for inspiration. One of the requirements for our development is the integration of natural looking siding. Before I moved to New England in 2009, I wasn't a huge fan of the wooden siding I spied everywhere. Three years later, my opinion has shifted completely. The look may not be for everyone, but I now consider myself to be in shingle love ;)

Our main goal with this build is to create a timeless home. The shingled look certainly would make our little abode stand the test of time in New England. I still can't believe how my tastes have changed, but I know this is one which will remain the same for many, many years to come.

I can't wait to see your autumn lust lists tomorrow for Friday's Fancies! {If you've posted one in the last few weeks, please feel free to link yours up too. Click here for more details.} See you tomorrow!

the report.

With the release of Pantone's newest color report, there is sure to be a full-blown color explosion in the blogosphere this week. The Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2013 is an absolute must-read. I loved seeing how fashion's biggest stars channeled these hues in their designs.

I always love seeing the names they attribute to these Pantone shades. African Violet? Tender Shoots? They're spot-on, if you ask me. My favorites are Poppy Red and Linen--with Emerald and Lemon Zest coming in close behind.

{click here if you'd like to download the pdf!}

Is it bad that all of the fabulous fashion coming out of NYC and this color report already have me dreaming of spring? I know, I know. I'll stop wishing time away ;) 

P.S. I {sadly} don't work for Pantone. I am simply using the color names + numbers in this post and cannot claim to have crafted them on my own ;)

dreams.

This is a simple post, but that's ok with me. On an anniversary like this, it's hard not to reflect.
Regardless of where you were 11 years ago, you and I are here today.

On days like today, I realize just how blessed we are to even be able to dream.

fashionistas rejoice.

Fashionistas rejoice! On September 12th, an incredible new online resource called D'Marie officially launches. Why the hype? In my humble opinion, it will revolutionize the way we consume fashion. I use the word "consume" consciously. D'Marie will enable its users to track down pieces they've seen in magazines, on TV, and everywhere else. {If Gossip Girl worked with D'Marie and you've ever wondered where Serena's stylist finds her wardrobe, D'Marie would be able to reveal it.}  

Think of D'Marie as a real + living online fashion library: their people will track where {and when} garments were worn, helping new designers to the scene maintain their footing. For the fashion savvy consumer, it will be the place to find that outfit from your favorite show or magazine article. If it's out of your price range, the folks at D'Marie will help you find other options. It's genius.

Whether you're Olivia Palermo or a resident of rural Iowa, it doesn't matter. We are entitled to access to great fashion--within our respective budgets. D'Marie will make it possible for all of us :)

{photos used are not my own} image sources: clothes + shoes 
note: the opinions in this post are mine + I was not compensated for this post.

friday's fancies #93.

A very happy Friday to you! I may not be in school anymore, but it doesn't mean I don't still dream of back to school outfits. This round of Friday's Fancies is devoted to those ultimate first impression ensembles, whether you're still in school or not. My style wasn't as refined in my earlier years, but if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would positively love to look this polished and put-together ;) 

Ok, ok...I know this Alice + Olivia Elyse Blazer makes quite a statement. Investing in this shiny gold stunner would make any fall wardrobe instantly richer--in more ways than one. I'd rock a similar white tank underneath so I wouldn't distract from this blazer's beauty.

These Bauble Bar Burgundy Gem Drops play further into my love of this gorg wine hue I shared earlier this week.

My affection for this shade of burgundy clearly knows no bounds. I wish my fall shopping budget included these KORAL Stretch Skinny Jeans. Thankfully, my #FridaysFancies budget is endless ;)

Just big enough for my MacBook, this Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran Small Shopper is leaps and bounds better than any bag I carried at Georgetown. I'd take it in a heartbeat!

Can I just have these simple + sweet J.Crew Cece Suede Ballet Flats in every color?

---

Want to dream up your own Friday's Fancies ensembles? Click here to join the mailing list--and get the upcoming themes in your inbox every Monday! psst: if you're a college football fiend, there's a special week coming soon! {Not into the themes? No worries! All fashion posts are welcome!}

---

I simply adore this tan+burgundy+gold combination. I would feel like a queen in this ensemble, be it in class or on the street. I only wish I was still in school--minus the grades and stress part ;) Endless thanks to those of you linking up this week! I hope you have a relaxing weekend--and I'll see you Monday!

P.S. Check out some more gilded action on siddathornton from yours truly!

take two.

Happy Thursday! I promised another Parisian street style post...and I'm here to deliver ;) I said it last week and I'll say it again: they even make running errands look chic! I've got fuel for my fire to make more of an effort, even when I'm simply running across town for some froyo. Without futher ado...

A bow and stripes on a blazer? Paired with sweet little grey flats? Perfection.

This Parisian rocks the color pink, in her boyfriend-esque cropped pants and her ballet flats. #love

A white tee +  a bright maxi make errands much more exciting, especially down the street from Chanel.

Bold stripes, paired with just the right amount of slouchiness + the Arc de Triomphe.

Her bags may be functional, but she's a girl after my own heart with her white + cobalt combo.

This pint-sized fashionista deserved her own shout-out! She nailed the monochromatic look + the top knot!

---

For those of you who commented about being apprehensive to snap shots of strangers...here are my takeaways: Be respectful and polite--and few people will question you. I also have a large lens which means I can take pictures from far away {and seemingly taking a picture of a landmark}, without being noticed. It's all a bit creepy, but it's not intentional ;) 

--

I hope you enjoyed this infusion of color and stripes from the City of Lights. Thanks for indulging me in the slow reveal of our photos...it's helping me relive the vacation, little by little. See you tomorrow!

P.S. I hope you're as excited as I am for another round of Friday's Fancies tomorrow ;) Here is all the info you need to join the fun!

delightfully darling.

Happy Wednesday, friends! I have another installment in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series for you today :) Teresa {from delightfully darling} and her beau, J, didn't get much time together before distance drew them apart. They are now navigating  their days apart with a special goal in mind...

Name: Teresa  |  Significant Other's Name: J

When did you start dating? We started dating in late July 2010 and on September 26 of that year, we made it official. He asked me to be his "girlfriend" with flowers and a Starbuck's travel cup. (The way to my heart is definitely through coffee!)

How do you fill your days when you’re apart?  I blog! I have only a handful of friends in my everyday life and they aren’t into fashion as much as I am. I had been a blogger before J and I started dating—the distance just encouraged me to invest more time into my blog. With J working in another state, I focused more on building a "pretty" blog and finding like-minded bloggers with which I could connect.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? It can be pretty lonely. The worst is when there is an event that I would like to take him to or a concert that we could enjoy and there just isn't any way for us to go together. Its frustrating in that sense.

How has long distance changed your relationship? Its strange because its all we really know. We did have a short period where we got to live together but it was over before we were really able to get settled in. I feel like we have been together for nearly 2 years, yet we are really just starting if that makes sense. The distance seems to slow things down a lot.

How do you stay focused on the future—and not get stuck in the day-to-day? Like most everyone, we have our ups and downs. There have been times where I doubt the whole long distance thing, but then I think of life without him, I know why we do it. I am beyond happy that we at least have each other in this way—even if it is mostly confined to texts, phone calls, and skype. We talk about a time where we will be finished with our obligations and can be together "for real." It is a great goal to work toward because no matter the distance, the heart wants what it wants... and my heart wants him!

---

Do you want to share your long distance story? Click here to submit yours!

---

I love the perspective that Teresa and J maintain. It's absolutely true that the highs and lows of every day life can get in the way, but with the right mindset, they can be conquered. In reality, it's a great mantra for each and every one of us :) Have a fantastic Wednesday--and keep your eyes on the prize...whatever yours may be.

P.S. I'm guest posting over at Pearls and Pugs today--be sure to stop by!