this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

• An eclectic, bohemian San Francisco apartment tour.
• From Ruffled, an elaborate celestial fairytale wedding.
• Thrifty Decor Chick's great bathroom transformation.
• From Intimate Weddings, a storybook Banff elopement.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Minding My Nest, Soggy Musings, Cross Cards.
• Cute alert: kids describe their parents to an illustrator.
• How cute are these icon enamel pins from Sketch, Inc.?
• My friend has this cork wallet I'm adding to my wishlist.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: Potter-inspired books, a business trip Stitch Fix, driftwood and coral wedding inspiration
• 2015: Custard yellow and teal home decor and accessories, a bridal emergency kit, my early summer in Instagram, the Avengers book tag,
• 2014: a Sunday Social all about the special people in my life, reviewed an eShakti vintage-inspired dress, recapped our trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, and checked in with Literary Junkies.
• 2013: inspiration for log home exteriors and interior design and collecting rustic wedding inspiration as we started planning Breeze's big day.
• 2012: a few of my favorite blogs and a round-up of braided bridal hairstyles.
• 2011: the bridal shower my friends gave me, my final hair and makeup trial, and my bachelorette party.

Style: On Pointe Athleisure

One thing about me that I'm not sure I've ever actually talked about on this blog is that I was a dancer throughout my childhood. By high school, I had multiple classes at my local dance studio every night, and when I wasn't in class I was also one of the office assistants there and taught several classes. Dance was my first hobby and my first job, and I love things that remind me of the ladylike and magical culture of ballet. Blush pink was one of the most popular colors in virtually every aspect of design in 2016, and this past fall, I started to notice that swans had become the latest "critter" to gain popularity in home decor and fashion. Now, Target had unveiled a whole ballet-inspired collection from Mossimo. Here's a winter and spring gym-to-street wardrobe for the inner Sugar Plum Fairy in each of us.

1. Athleta crossback sweatshirt  2. Target ruched leggings  3. J. Crew Factory collector tee  4. Essie Gel Couture nail polish in "Lace Me Up"  5. Target wrap bodysuit 6. Target tulle midi skirt 7. Kate Spade swan stud earrings (set is actually 1 black and 1 white swan) 8. MAC Lipglass in "Signs of Spring"  9. Kate Spade Ridge Street Lance yoga bag

(Ballerina inspiration photo by Taylor and Porter via Wedding Sparrow)

What do you think of the ballet-inspired athleisure trend?

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...

Happy August, y'all. This week, I'm focusing on reminding myself to be content with what I have and with my current season in life. Can I get real for a minute? All summer, friends and family members keep asking how the house hunt is going. It's painful to have to say... "it's still going" when in truth we have found a one-of-a-kind home but it is out of our price range. Several friends are mamas-to-be, and I have to remind myself that it's not my time yet. Teachers head back to school today, and there's a part of me that feels like I should be further along, more accomplished in my career. More, more, more.  I often forget that comparison is the thief of joy, until I realize that I've spent fifteen minutes or half an hour scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and feel worse instead of better. Two posts that really resonated with me this week were "The Traps" at The Inspired Room and "Of Elder-flowers and Jealousy" at Design for Mankind.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

SWOON.

• From 100 Layer Cake, a boho wedding's cool ceremony arch.
• A gorgeous interfaith wedding in NYC from Snippet and Ink.
• At Style Me Pretty, a graphic designer's beautiful wedding.
• How cute is this sprinkle-covered pink birthday cake?

SMILE.

• August desktops: Organised Housewife, Smashing, Flipsnack.
• Lunchbox love: Lisa Frank zebra cakes from Studio DIY.
• Girl Meets World's season finale will be a big BMW reunion!
• On my wishlist for fall: J. Crew's cute, colorful signet purse.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: The SC Aquarium, a date night LBD outfit, midsummer in IG, fave fictional pets.
• 2014: My August favorites.
• 2013: The things I can't live without and punchy wardrobe picks.
• 2012: Brazilian pork chops, a hearts of palm and avocado salad, an avocado-coconut milkshake, and an Olympics Ring tie-dyed shirt.
• 2011: Orange wardrobe and home inspiration, rustic and modern fall wedding ideas.

pinspiration: rose quartz + palm leaves

I've noticed two of the biggest trends for this summer coming together in a beautiful way lately, especially on Instagram and Pinterest. Social media seems to be loving the combo of green palm leaves and Rose Quartz, one of Pantone's Colors of the Year for 2016. It's a combination that feels classic and fresh at the same time, perfect for summer!

Pinspiration: Let's get away...

One of the shades I'm loving for my spring wardrobe is the perfect tan Pantone calls "iced coffee." Fashion has taken on a 70's vibe this year which lends itself perfectly to my dreams of someday driving alongside the California coast with Joni Mitchell on the stereo... happy Spring Break, y'all!

clicks of note. everything to me.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• Song for the week: Odessa Rose's "My Match."

SWOON.

Lea Nicole Fine Art Weddings via Southern Weddings

• I'm a sucker for a cute Southern football rivalry wedding.
• Chris' colorful, boho family room filled with eclectic pieces.
• Erin McGinn shot this classic summer engagement session.
• You must check out this NZ beach wedding from SMP.

SMILE.

• Desktops from Bohemian Gypsy Jane and Design Love Fest.
• These Star Wars emojis are not a trap... or are they?
• Lovely Indeed's painted pencil sneakers are too perfect!
• Target's upcoming collab with Aldo - those bags.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared my faves for September and shared a Sunday Social all about the 5's.
• Two years ago I featured jewel-toned transitional wardrobe picks, romantic wedding ceremony backdrop ideas, a guide to buying housewarming gifts, the "House United" wreath I made for football season, and a very preppy Southern game day outfit.
• Three years ago I shared my end-of-summer Instagrams, orange and blue and autumn apple orchard wedding inspiration, kelly green wardrobe ideas, and roundups of geometric home decor pieces and fashion accessories.  
• Three years ago, I broke down the cost of our DIY wedding flowers, showed off photos from our rehearsal, and shared my favorite peach pie recipe.

travelogue: charleston, south carolina - part 4 - sullivan's island

My #1 criteria for our vacation spot this summer was that it had to have a beach. I needed the ocean. One of the reasons Charleston was so appealing was because it was surrounded by beaches - there's Seabrook Island (private and serene), Kiawah Island (pristine and luxurious), Folly Beach (young and eclectic), Isle of Palms (family friendly), and Sullivan's Island. Since we stayed in Mount Pleasant, we were right between Charleston's historic downtown and Sullivan's Island, and we visited the beach almost every night of our stay in the Lowcountry. From our first drive through the pastel houses Mount Pleasant's historic district and out to the island, we were in love.

My travel outfit: Ann Taylor tank, handmade necklace with 

charms from Michael's, and olive shorts. Love this color combo!

This beautiful coastline was our first taste of Sullivan's Island after arriving in Charleston - quiet, serene perfection. The island is just 3.3 square miles with more homes and rentals than businesses - Middle Street just a few blocks, is home to quirky restaurants like Taco Mamacita (which we loved) and the famous Poe's Tavern (Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his time in the Army).

Sullivan's Island has a vibe that reminds me of the Outer Banks - laid-back. One of the most interesting things we saw on one of our visits there was a group of volunteers working in shifts to monitor a sea turtle's nest.

Sullivan's Island offers a great view of the Charleston skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge, which connects downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

Most of the beach houses on Sullivan's are quaint and unassuming - I think this one is my dream house! I love the tin roof and double porch but I'm pretty sure the string lights were what really did it for me.

A newer Sullivan's Island beach house - I loved the teal color and the construction is a modern take on traditional Charleston style, including the great plantation-style staircase.

A casual night out: T.J. Maxx lace tank, handmade tassel 

necklace, Jessica Simpson clutch, StitchFix striped skirt, 

and Old Navy flip flops to survive the sand!

On our last night in Charleston, we had dinner at Shem Creek Bar and Grill, which was highly recommended by friends. It's a local favorite and the seafood did not disappoint. Afterward, we headed over to Sullivan's for one last beach walk before saying goodbye to the Lowcountry.

Linking Up With:

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style: Custard and Scuba Blue

Custard yellow hit the style radar this spring after being named one of Pantone's Color Report picks for the season. This summer, I'm loving this edgy twist on yellow paired with the vivid teal the color authority calls Scuba Blue.

Disclaimer: Amazon links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. Mimou "Nippon" wallpaper 2. Trina Turk clutch (Similar) 3. Baublebar tassel drop earrings 4. Hardwood dresser from Little Posh Cottage 5. Essie nail polish in "Garden Variety" from Amazon 6. Zoya nail polish in "Daisy"

Anyone else getting some serious DIY inspiration from that dresser?

Linking Up With:
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Summer 2015: Tropical Punch

After a week of thunderstorms here in Virginia, it finally feels like summer again today, and I'm currently obsessed with bold tropical prints in black and white with poppy red accents. My inspiration comes from high-end names like Chanel and Trina Turk, but it's just as easy to find stylish tropical essentials at Old Navy!

1. Christian Lacroix fabric from Designers Guild (throw pillow)  2. Old Navy baseball cap  3. Old Navy shift dress  4. Old Navy patterned scarf  5. Trina Turk spring 2015 runway presentation  6. Chanel Le Vernis nail color in Holiday  7. Chanel surfboard via Barefoot Blonde  8.  Old Navy canvas tote  9. Mango tassel clutch

Which of these tropical inspired picks is your favorite?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Reasons to Dress

Style: Summer 2015 - Strawberry Ice

The color authorities at Pantone are basically my heroes because they give us new loveliness to look forward to each season - new ways to look at our homes, our wardrobes, our art - all the ways we add color to every day. One of my favorite shades the color experts have chosen for this summer is Strawberry Ice, a soft pink infused with a splash of papaya. From earrings and sandals to lanterns and pillows, this color is as welcome as a scoop of sherbet on a hot day!

Disclaimer: Amazon and ModCloth links contain affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. ModCloth Bright Answerstriped dress  2. Essentials stud earrings from Wal-Mart  
3. Essie nail polish in "Topless and Barefoot" from Kohl's  4. China Glaze nail polish in "More to Explore" from Amazon 5. 31 Bits handmade paper bracelet from Ruche
6. Longchamp "Le Pliage" small tote from Nordstrom  7. ModCloth Presh Play flats

Style at Home | SF Girl By Bay

Better Homes and Gardens | Vintage Revivals

Which of these strawberry ice picks is your favorite?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Reasons to Dress

style picks: spring refresh

Following an academic calendar is definitely one of the biggest perks of being a teacher - I love my summer vacation, winter break, and the occasional long weekend. If you've been following my little adventures this weekend on Instagram you may have noticed that I've hardly taken off my floral Old Navy scarf - and when shopping with my mom yesterday I noticed that I keep gravitating toward the same shades of classic blue, aquamarine, blush, strawberry, and toasted almond. Here's what's inspiring my color palette for the new season!

1. Old Navy floral scarf  2. Maurice's open stitch cardigan  3. Old Navy reversible tote (similar)  4. J. Crew cotton cord bracelet  5. Essie nail polish in "Borrowed and Blue" from Target  6. EOS summer fruit lip balm  7. Bensimon sneakers from Shopbop (similar)  8. Jeffrey Campbell sandals from Shopbop  9. Gartner notebooks from Wal-Mart

What colors or prints are you obsessed with this spring?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Trendy Wednesday at Classy Yet Trendy

Oh Hey Girl at Pumps and Push-Ups

clicks of note.

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

• Maison de Pax is so aptly named - love Rachel's spring tour.
• Love the groom's suit in this romantic wedding from SMP.
• Southern Weddings features a glam gold Oklahoma affair.
• A vintage pastel Easter brunch at The Sweetest Occasion.

SMILE.

• Spring desktops: Design Love Fest, Eighteen25, K. Duke.
• These Ikea hacks from Domaine are pretty unbelievable.
• How cute are these new spring handbags from TOMS?
• 90+ last minute ideas for Easter on my Pinterest board.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year's Sunday Social was about my ideals and accomplishments. I featured some of my favorite spring green and black and white wardrobe picks, turned the blog blue for Autism awareness, rounded up my April favorites
• Two years ago I rounded up rainy day fashion ideas, white bridesmaid dress inspiration, explained how Mr. Q and I save money on groceries, completed my second Liebster Award survey, and shared my love story with Mr. Q for the Love and Marriage series.
• Three years ago I collected inspiration for an April Fool's wedding.

 

clicks of note: I'll be by your side...

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

Olivia Griffin Photography via Southern Weddings

• A haint blue Charleston wedding - such attention to detail!
• The Everygirl features a bright San Francisco home tour.
• How pretty are these DIY table numbers from Lia Griffith?
• At Style Me Pretty, a colorful Santa Monica Pier shoot.

SMILE.

• Dress your tech with Going Home to Roost and Kate Spade.
• Audrey rounds up this spring's trendy reversible leather tote bags.
• Chanelle shares basic floral arranging tips on The Kim Chronicles.
• Can you tell if these fashion photos are from the 1970's or today?

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I rounded up my favorite mint and gray pieces for spring, inspiration for a mint and baby's breath wedding, and the prettiest mint wedding invitations.
• Two years ago, I reminisced about Ireland and rounded up citron wardrobe inspiration for spring.
• Three years ago I featured inspiration for a country wedding in pastel grays, purples, and blues.
• Four years ago I shared ideas for wedding card storage and thank you signs.

 

Spring 2015: Custard Yellow

Don't adjust your monitor - leading color authority Pantone's favorite yellow for spring 2015 really is that bright. Custard is a creamy, muted yellow that's popping up all over the place now that spring is just around the corner! Here are a few pieces I wouldn't mind adding to my closet.

1. Old Navy pleated skirt 2. LOFT polka dot pouch 3. ModCloth fruit earrings 4. LOFT hair ties 5. LOFT trouser socks 6. Francesca's knotted necklace 7. Old Navy crossbody purse 8. LOFT chino shorts

Anthropologie | Trina Turk via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Jenny Packham via Style.com | Dennis Basso via Style.com

Please let me believe that spring is just around the corner, even though the forecast includes snow on Thursday...

Linking Up With:
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera
Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Oh Hey Girl at Pumps and Push-Ups
Let Your Light Shine Thursday at Made With Zeal

Fall 2014: Navy and Cypress

Today's color combination reminds me of coming home for the holidays: it's classic, cozy, and welcoming.  Navy and cypress home decor and wardrobe pieces are perfect for fall, but will look sharp far into winter - they look great layered, too, whether the pairing is a sweater and scarf for a cross-country airplane ride or a duvet and blanket for the guest room.

Disclaimer:  Amazon and ModCloth item links contain affiliate codes.  Thanks for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. H&M cable knit sweater  2. Faribault for Target backpack  3. Terrain cypress topiary  4. Pottery Barn palampore bedding  5. Merona tote from Target  6. J. Crew No. 2 wool pencil skirt  7. J. Crew Factory straight and narrow corduroy pants  8. J. Crew Factory crystal necklace  9. Zoya nail polish in "Hunter"  10. ModCloth messenger bag

Inspiration:  1. Home via Houzz  2. Outfit via Cabins for Everyone

Linking Up:

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Fall 2014: Aurora Red and Sienna

One of my favorite color trends this season is the rust-red Pantone calls Aurora Red.  Call it rust, call it sienna, shades inspired by honeycrisp apples, juicy persimmons, ripe pomegranates, and autumn leaves are perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving.

Disclaimer:  ModCloth and Amazon item links include affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

Items:  1. Zoya nail polish in "Chanelle" via Amazon  2. Anthropologie quilted dress in Rust  3. Francesca's knit scarf  4. ModCloth dress in Auburn  5. West Elm filled owl candle  6. Face Stockholm lipstick from Anthropologie  7. O.P.I. nail polish in "Schnapps Out of It" via Amazon 8. Ruche elastic belt  9. H+M UK saddle bag purse (similar from Sole Society)  10. Ruche sweater dress in Camel

Inspiration: 1. Autumn leaves from Coffee in Cottage  2. Tablescape from Green Wedding Shoes  3. Wedding party from Elizabeth Anne Designs

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera