sunday simplicity.

Courtney Beck Photography

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we 
should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 
-Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Pinspiration: Cozy Romantic Style

What I'm loving right now...

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midsummer according to instagram.

Here's what I've been up to lately via IG. I participated in several

Instagram style challenges this month... if you haven't seen them,

they are monthly calendars created by fashion bloggers with prompts

for each day's outfit. My reasoning: having some inspiration would

keep me from staying in my PJ's or gym clothes all summer! It

worked, and I had a lot of fun creating new outfits.

My cousin's college graduation was held at the beautiful

Jefferson Center (which was a high school in its former

life) in Roanoke. / Summer brights and a quirky color combo

(coral, gold, and purple) featuring my fave J. Crew tee

Nautical-inspired with an Old Navy pointelle sweater, Lia

Sophia jewelry and Lily & Laura bracelet / My garden in bloom

World's easiest craft: buy tassels and lobster clasps at Michaels

and add tassels to all your stuff! / Baseball inspired: how about

the NCAA National Champions! Go Wahoos!

In addition to being great practice shooting in macro mode,

I think this teeny tiny grasshopper was a reminder to

stop and appreciate the little things on a day that I was

really suffering with depression / Black and white, mixed

prints and a color pop all in one outfit

Remixing my favorite shorts and a bright Target tee with a

necklace my college roommate brought back from Kenya /

Lunch at Whisk in downtown Charleston aka my dream kitchen

Gorgeous sunset over Charleston as seen from Sullivan's Island /

Blue and teal with my favorite charm necklace from LOFT

 

Jeans and J. Crew jewels for a dentist's appointment (ugh) /

Neon flowers blooming on the patio make me smile

 

A Monarch butterfly in the garden at Boone Hall Plantation in

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina / Back from vacation in a new

J. Crew fruit salad tank and DIY tassel necklace (obsessed)

What are you up to this summer? Follow me on Instagram here.

Summer Style Trend: Palm Leaf Green

One of this summer's biggest color trends is a green shade Pantone calls Treetop. Many of our favorite designers and retailers interpreted those treetops as palm trees, and bright green hues and palm leaf prints are making everything look a little more summery - whether you're in the office, at the gym, or at the resort!

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

1. Old Navy sleeveless dress  2. J. Crew Factory collector tank  3. Chico's tropical scarf   4. Kate Spade palm tree charm  5. ModCloth maxi dress   6. Essie nail polish in "Pretty Edgy" from Beauty.com       7. Wayfair table lamp       8. Kate Spade notebook 

9. Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze body spray        10. Athleta ankle pants

Which of these palm leaf green 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
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

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: top 10 remix challenge

Jen from Librarian for Life and Style recently posted about the Top 10 Remix Challenge, hosted by Sarah's Real Life. I've been a little obsessed with closet downsizing this year and intrigued by the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but I don't like the idea of leaving perfectly good clothes in a closet or drawer because they aren't part of my "capsule." That's what makes the Top 10 Remix perfect - instead of limiting the total number of items in a wardrobe, Sarah's challenging remixers to choose ten items that are the epitome of their style, then work at least one of those ten items into each outfit worn in a month. I took  a weekend to think about my items - if I'd be wearing them so regularly, they needed to be versatile and classic. I think of my personal style as preppy meets bohemian, and I've been shopping within a navy, coral, and teal accent color palette since my vacation to Williamsburg. Here are the ten items I chose to remix this month:

1. Old Navy floral scarf  2. Old Navy coral cardigan (similar)  3. Lia Sophia pearl bracelets (similar)  4. TOMS for Target tee  5. LOFT striped boatneck tank  6. Sam and Libby for Target flats  7. Target lace-front sweater  8. Teal Old Navy sweater (similar)  9. Old Navy swiss dot blouse  10. LOFT jeans

Here are the first four outfits I put together for the challenge... it was fun to have something like this to do over Spring Break.

Saturday, April 4 - day trip to Raleigh with Mr. Q and B - #1 Old Navy scarf, pink Target tee, #10 LOFT jeans, Old Navy bucket purse (similar) and Bare Traps sandals

Sunday, April 5 - Easter morning service at Elevation church - Lia Sophia pearl earrings (similar), Old Navy gray sweatshirt dress (similar), # 1 Old Navy scarf, Old Navy cardigan, #3 Lia Sophia pearl bracelets and Target boots

Monday, April 6 - shopping with mom - #2 coral Old Navy cardigan, #4 TOMS for Target arrow tee, #10 LOFT jeans, Bare Traps sandals

Tuesday, April 7 - #7 Target lace sweater, Target navy tank, Lia Sophia flower necklace, #10 LOFT jeans, #6 Sam and Libby for Target flats

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Mix It Up Friday at Classy Yet Trendy
Whatcha Wearing Wednesday at The Mummy Chronicles

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

style: blush and lucite for spring

One of the must-have items on my spring wish list is this floral scarf from Target - it's very similar to the Kate Spade scarf I spent last spring drooling over (note to self: stop waiting for Kate Spade pieces to "go on sale"... they will go out of stock instead!).  Target's version includes two of this spring's most popular colors, blush pink and lucite green, is 1/8th the cost of a Kate Spade scarf, and makes me look forward to the days when my lunch buddies and I will be able to eat outside!

Disclaimer: Modcloth links contain affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. Target  floral  infinity  scarf     2. Kate  Spade  studs   from Piperlime  

3. Analog clock from Modcloth  4. Modcloth dress  5. Old Navy reversible tote  6. Target faux succulents (I'm loving this idea for planting succulents in mugs)  7. Modcloth ballet flats  8. Essie Resort 2015   nail   polishes   in  "Stones  N  Roses"  and  "Time  for  Me  Time"

Linking Up:
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

I Feel Pretty at Get Your Pretty On

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

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

Fall 2014: Mauve Mist

One of my favorite trends this fall is a shift towards soft, pastel shades used in unexpected ways - a moto jacket looks totally fresh in blush pink, stud earrings are edgy in gray and rose gold, and a quilted leather bag is perfect in taupe.

1. Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket  2. Francesca's jeweled drop earrings  3.  Fossil stud earrings  4. GAP colorblock scarf  5. J. Crew Factory statement sweater  6. Ruche cable knit sweater  7. Vera Bradley quilted backpack purse  8. GAP colorblock socks  9. Butter London nail lacquer in "Teddy Girl" and "Fairy Lights"  from Sephora 10. Coach loafers (similar, similar)

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat and The European Malteser

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera and Thrifting Diva

Style: Summer Brights

It may not officially be summer according to the calendar, but as far as I'm concerned, now that school's out, it's on!  Coral, citrus and melon-inspired shades are perennial favorites for the summer months, and it's no wonder - they're an instant shot of happy whether paired with a simple white t-shirt or a pretty maxi dress. Here are a few picks for adding some extra warmth to your summer wardrobe and beauty routine.

Disclaimer:  Links to ModCloth items contain an affiliate code.

View this set on Polyvore

1. J. Crew Factory Swiss dot dress  2. J. Crew Factory eyelet skirt  3. Anthropologie watch  

4. J. Crew snood scarf  5. Philosophy shower gel  6. ModCloth colorblock sandals  

7. Fossil bracelet  8. Merona ballet flats from Target  9. Merona 3" chino shorts from Target 

10. Essie nail polish in "Roarrrrange," "Resort Fling," and "Serial Shopper"

Linking Up With:
Funday Monday at Still Being Molly
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs

Calling All Aspiring Designers!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

I've been a ModCloth affiliate for a while now because I absolutely love their collections of vintage-inspired clothing, accessories and home goods.  ModCloth is launching its second Make the Cut Contest of the year! Make the Cut is a fashion design contest that I think some of you could totally rock at!  In this spring's edition, ModCloth is giving contestants the opportunity to design a print pattern for a scarf. The top 10 submissions will be hosted on the Be the Buyer page, where member of ModCloth's devoted community will vote for their favorite print. The lucky winner will have their design produced by and sold on ModCloth (with their name on the tag!), plus they'll receive a $500 prize!  

ModCloth will be accepting contest submissions until 11:59 p.m. PT on 5/30.  Community Members can vote for and comment on those designs from 10 a.m. PT on 6/9 to 11:59 p.m. PT on 6/13 via Be the Buyer. On 6/16, the winner will be announced on Story, the ModCloth blog.

I know that some of you have amazing artistic talents and I love imagining the following situation...

Friend:  "That scarf is so adorable.  Where'd you get it?"
Me:  "Oh, this scarf?  One of my readers designed it for ModCloth."

Official contest rules can be found here. Good luck! 

Good Morning, Sunshine! Lemon Wardrobe, Decor & What I Smell Like...

Everything's coming up lemons this spring - the fruit itself and its sunny color are everywhere, from fashion to home decor.  No wonder - research about the color yellow suggests that it can really change people's thought and mood patterns.

Stylists cite yellow as an inviting color and studies have found that people feel happier and more open around this sunshiny shade - that makes it the perfect choice for many occasions, from an interview to brunch with your best girlfriend.  Interior designers and home decor color consultants recommend yellow to stimulate conversation, warmth, and connection and claim that saturated yellow can even help improve focus, which makes it a great wall color for foyers and living rooms and a good accent color for offices and classrooms.

Color therapists believe that looking at yellow can help ease some cases of depression.  Adding a little sunkissed yellow to your wardrobe or space is a great way to ensure a happy start to your day!  

View this set on Polyvore

1. Levi's sleeveless blouse  2. Kate Spade lemon wedge earrings  
3. J. Crew cotton lace dress  4. Vanzetti scarf from Zalando  5. Target soy candle
6. Xhiliration geometric wristlet from Target  7. Burt's Bee's cuticle cream from Target  
8. Kate Spade skirt  9. Rifle Paper Co. phone case from Walk in Love  
10. Pier1 microwaveable mug  11. Keds for Kate Spade sneakers

Those Kate Spade earrings are totally getting added to my birthday wish list.  Can I also come up with a reason to need the Keds sneakers?  They are quite possibly the cutest sneakers in world.

My personal favorite way to add a little lemon to my life is with my absolute favorite perfume for spring and summer - and the simplest scent I own.  A Bath and Body Works salesgirl sold me on C.O. Bigelow's Lemon Eau de Parfum years ago by telling me that in aromatherapy, lemon is linked to happiness and confidence.  Well, who doesn't need a little more happy?  The scent is crisp and a little bit sweet, and I get "you smell good!" complements every time I wear it.

Linking Up With:
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post in any way, I just love all of the products and ideas featured!

Spring 2014: St. Germain Pink

I realized recently (yes, it was Mean Girls day) that I have almost no pink in my wardrobe.  I need to fix this situation as soon as possible. This spring's most popular pink, St. Germain, is a far cry from blush and easier to wear than fuchsia shades.  Here are a few outfit ideas, for the work week as well as the weekend, that feature this bright, happy shade in all it's springtime glory.

View this set on Polyvore

1. Old Navy lightweight cardigan  2. J. Crew Factory statement necklace  
3. Cherokee tiered tee from Target  4. Lily Pulitzer striped infinity scarf  
5. Old Navy oxford shirt  6. Merona striped pencil skirt from Target  
7. The Limited bow belt  8. Old Navy skinny khakis  
9. MAC nail lacquer from Nordstrom  10. Dorothy Perkins denim pencil skirt
11. Merona colorblock flats from Target  12. Vans floral sneakers from PacSun 
13. DV by Dolce Vita leather sandals from Nordstrom

Linking Up With:
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured

spring color: pistachio

True confession:  I'm pretty sure I'd do Polyvore posts even if no one visited this little ol' blog.  It's grown-up paper dolls, and I accept that.

I have a fresh, fun spring color for you today!  And please come back and see me tomorrow - I'm going to be hosting my first-ever linky party, a spur of the moment idea I had for Autism Awareness Month.  If you'd like more information now, or if you'd like to co-host with me, just let me know in the comments!  Disclaimer:  ModCloth links contain an affiliate code.

View this set on Polyvore

1. GAP striped pleated skirt  2. GAP skinny leather belt  
3. ModCloth "Grand Tour Guide" blouse  4. Banana Republic scarf  
5. Deborah Lippmann nail polish in "Spring Buds" from Nordstrom
6. J. Crew Factory statement necklace  7. Lilly Pulitzer ruffled polo  
8. Garmin GPS watch from Athleta  9. Mossimo sneakers from Target

Which of these springy picks is your favorite?  I don't have anything in this shade currently in my closet, and I'm eyeing the Lilly Pulitzer polo and GAP striped skirt for spring and summer!

Linking Up:
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured

Style: Time to Get Away...

Virginia's indecisive weather, standardized tests and general having to be a grown-up have me daydreaming about spring break... which is less than a month away now.  Shades of seafoam teal and chambray blue are calming, the perfect complement to a springtime escape, no matter what the forecast or appointment calendar may hold.

View this set on Polyvore

1. Wallis sweater (similar here, here)  2. GAP plaid scarf  

3. Voluspa jar candle from Anthropologie  4. Old Navy graphic tee (similar here, here)  

5. Banana Republic statement necklace (similar here and here)

6. Merona cowl-neck hoodie from Target  7. Essie nail polish in Rock the Boat  

8. Zoya nail polish in Nyx  9. Kellin Silver mint clover ring  

10. J. Crew drawstring travel bag set

And here's my take on this color scheme...

Necklace: lia sophia "Lily Pad"  Sweater: Merona from Target  

Purse: Rosetti from TJ Maxx  Jeans: Curvy straight legs from LOFT  

Boots: Merona from Target

I love this outfit - it feels very "me" and very comfortable.

Linking Up:
Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Favorite Fashion Friday at Penniless Socialite
Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured
Be.You.Tiful Link Party at Maybe I Will
Weekend Block Party at Can't Google Everything