pinspiration: a fresh start [january 2017]

Once the holiday decorations have been put away, I like to really dig in to envisioning the new year, spending some time with my planner, and focusing on finding ways to simplify my life, streamline my routines, and boost my productivity. My professional goals this year deal with celebrating success and strengthening community, and my personal goals are all about getting ready to be the best working mom I can be. Today, I'm sharing some inspiration for the new year and the fun playlist I've been playing 24/7 while working on my plans for 2018.

“The need to prove who you are will vanish once you know who you are.” - Danielle Pierre

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach." - Tony Robbins

style: favorite 2017 golden globes looks

It's become something of a tradition for me to do a post-award show fashion round-up. I'm no expert, of course, just a regular girl who loves pretty dresses and trying to spot trends. There were definitely some common themes at the Golden Globes this Sunday that can inspire our own spring looks, as well as some fresh looks the likes of wish we haven't seen gracing the red carpet in the last few years. [Image Sources]

The Cutest

The cast of Stranger Things, obviously! Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven on the show, is twelve years old and classier than I have ever been, and I just want to squeeze the little dudes. Their rap/Barb tribute in the show's opener was EVERYTHING.

My Favorite Looks

I'm probably being super predictable with my picks, but I think the two most elegant looks at the Globes took the cake. Emma Stone's star-spangled blush pink Valentino gown was the stuff my fashion dreams are made of, and I've got the Pinterest boards to prove it. I also thought Michelle Williams looked fantastic in her off-the-shoulder lace Louis Vuitton gown. Chokers are a big trend right now and both ladies put their own spin on it.

Honorable Mentions

Plunging necklines were popular on the awards show red carpets last year, and were even more of a Thing this year, with stars like Kristen Bell and Jessica Biel pushing the limits of Hollywood Fashion Tape. My favorite takes on the trend came from Mandy Moore, whose navy dress included a glamorous cape, and Gone Girl's Emily Ratajkowski, who also slayed in the hair and makeup department.

The Hollywood Princesses

Lily Collins could wear a garbage bag and look gorgeous, and her embellished Zuhair Murad Couture dress in a dusty rose hue was one of the most popular looks of the night. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of the ruffle on the train, but the gown looked amazing when she spun around on the red carpet. Hailee Steinfeld was also giving off Disney vibes in lavender Vera Wang cut in a trendy cold-shoulder style. Both starlets kept their hair sleek, brows and lips bold, and wore pastel eye makeup to match their gowns (Lily's was actually lip liner and blush, according to E!)

Color Trend: Primrose Yellow

One of Pantone's color trends for this spring, there was a LOT of primrose yellow on the red carpet! Viola Davis shone in bright yellow, Natalie Portman channeled Jackie O, Reese Witherspoon looked every bit the movie star in Versace, and the embroidery on Busy Philipps' black gown was a fun, folk art inspired touch that suited her bohemian style.

The Living Sculptures

Outlander's Caitriona Balfe's Delpozo dress was one of my favorites of the night because it was so unique (maybe a nod to all of her character Claire's amazing dresses in Paris?). I suppose we should expect nothing less from a supermodel, but I thought Naomi Campbell looked especially awesome in metallic lilac Versace.

Yaass!

Sorry for the cheesy category title, but "outfits I love because they are totally true to the personalities of the women wearing them" was too long. I absolutely love Janelle Monae, and her Armani Privé dress was true to her black and white signature style, and her recent string of crafty hairstyles continues with a pearl-pinned beehive. It made me happy, but I'm having a hard time finding a picture of her smiling, so I'm wondering if it was horribly uncomfortable. On the other hand, Evan Rachel Wood looked super comfortable and confident in her Marlene Dietrich inspired Joseph Altuzarra tuxedo. I loved the reason she gave for wearing it - on the red carpet, she explained that she's been to the Golden Globes six times in dresses and wanted to make sure young girls know they don't have to wear dresses if they don't want to.

What was your favorite red carpet look at this year's Golden Globes? 

Are you an awards show addict like me?

If you'd like to add any of these images to your Pinterest boards or blog, please visit my Pinterest board and pin/save from the original source. Thanks!

this week's clicks.

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

Kate Ignatowski via Style Me Pretty

• From SMP, a chic Washington DC wedding.
• A Chicago loft with mod black and white decor.
• Jennifer's inspiring before & after home photos.
• Adore these Quaker wedding vows from S&I.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Smashing, Red Stamp, Amber Lotus.
• Meryl Streep's mic-drop Golden Globes speech.
• Beauty and heartbreak in NatGeo's photos of 2016.
• From Yes and Yes, traditions to start 2017 strong.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: January favorites, winter TV, fave Golden Globes looks, and goals for the year.
• 2015: my first Stitch Fix, winter Pinspiration, and the PMT Style Challenge.
• 2014: favorite Golden Globes styles and beauty, and reflections on 2013.
• 2013: all about blogging, favorite Golden Globes looks, and ideas for bridal portraits.
• 2012: the big wedding trend was side braid hairstyles.

 I'd love to keep in touch - share a link to your favorite recent blog
 or Tumblr post, Tweet, or Instagram pic in the comments!

sunday simplicity.

Jody Savage Photography via Style Me Pretty

“You are my courage, as I am your conscience... You are 

my heart, and I your compassion. We are neither of us 

whole, alone." - Diana Gabaldon, Drums of Autumn

Sarah Kate Photography

halloween clicks of note.

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

SWOON.

Jennifer Blair Photography

• The Elli blog features a sparkly, colorful ranch wedding.
• From Jennifer Blair, a charming, fashionable Atlanta fete.
• Love the color palette in this romantic shoot from Ruffled.
• So, how adorable is this 85 year old flower grandpa?

SMILE.

• October desktops: Smashing, Sea of Atlas, JiJiKiki.
• Fashionista and Jezebel rounds up stars' costumes.
• Possibly the world's happiest dog - so adorable.
• Why didn't I think of galaxy pumpkins? (OSB Paper)

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: oak buff wardrobe picks and our Captain America and Peggy Carter costumes.
• 2014: my fall in Instagram, graphic sweatshirts, and a book-themed Circle.
• 2013: November faves, neutral pieces, studded ballet flats, modern Thanksgiving inspiration, fall blog loves, entertainment faves, and an Instagram recap.
• 2012: black and white wedding inspiration, and a healthy pumpkin pie oatmeal recipe.
• 2011: our indoor wedding portraits, our social hour, outdoor bridal party portraits, couple portraits, my recipe for slow cooker baked apples and our kitchen color combo.

sunday simplicity.

Rock n Roll Bride

“Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”

- Roald Dahl

Rock n Roll Bride

sunday simplicity.

Marsais via Elizabeth Anne Designs

"All that we love deeply becomes 

a part of us." -Helen Keller

Jenna Henderson, Photographer via Wedding Chicks

sunday simplicity.

True Photography Weddings / Couture Events

“You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams. 
And  I  know  if  I  can  make  you  smile by jumping over a 
couple of couches or running through a rainstorm, then I'll 
be very glad to be a song and dance man.” ―  Gene  Kelly

style: favorite 2016 GRAMMY's looks.

The 2016 award season continued last night with one of the classiest GRAMMY Awards ceremonies in recent memory - Kendrick Lamar's cerebral performance will be analyzed for the next week,  Lady Gaga's tribute to the late David Bowie was spot on, and the live performance by the cast of Hamilton was a treat. Celebrities in attendance even seemed pretty pumped about getting glitter-bombed by Taylor Swift. Fashion-wise, where the GRAMMY Awards are an opportunity to have fun with red carpet fashion that sometimes leads to celebrities going a little crazy, the attendees, presenters, and performers seemed to have an understanding that the two themes for the night's dress code were "streamlined" and "sparkling." Image sources can be found here on my Pinterest.

In my opinion, the two classiest looks of the night were expectant mother Chrissy Tiegen's white gown, glittering cape, and miniaudiere purse, and Anna Kendrick's black gown with sheer panels - elegant, simple, and perfect for a presenter.

My favorite looks of the night were elegant gowns with personality - both of these are works of art. Kacey Musgraves' ombre Armani Prive ballgown suits her colorful personality and I like that she kept the rest of her look simple. I wasn't sure who Lianne La Havas was (she's a British folk singer), but her  chartreuse gown (with pockets!) looked worthy of the Met Gala paired with her slightly bohemian updo.

Demi Lovato clearly had a formula for her red carpet and performance looks: suit jacket + no shirt + statement jewelry. Paired with a black manicure, she looked fierce onstage and off, like a sexy Bond villain.

While I do not like to body-shame other women for any reason, my concern that Taylor Swift might need a little more fat in her diet kept me from being able to totally get on board with her '90s throwback tube top and open skirt, but I loved her Anna Wintour bob, tangerine lipstick, and multicolored choker necklace. 

As far as my favorite performance outfits of the night, aside from Demi's suit, I loved Adele's intricately detailed deep red gown and matching manicure, and adored Brittany Howard's ivory dress, cape, and statement earrings. She's a rock goddess and the fabulous look was a nice departure from her usual retro florals.

What were your favorite moments and looks 

from this year's GRAMMY Awards?

PINspiration: An 80's inspired Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner... and for some reason I'm feeling an '80s vibe! Bring on the sparkles, hearts, and NEON! Whether you're watching John Hughes movies with your girlfriends or roller skating with your boo, I hope you're all getting pumped for a totally radical Valentine's Day.

Fall Trend: Windowpane Plaids

Every year, September is full of magazine articles and blog posts hailing the newest must-haves for fall. The one trend that I'm absolutely obsessed with in a get-in-my-closet-now way this September is windowpane plaid. Traditional plaid has been making a triumphant return as part of the 90's nostalgia trend, but depending on styling, this graphic black-and-white take on the traditional pattern can make me feel like anyone from a cool uptown girl to an astronaut wife.

Disclaimer: Modcloth links contain an affiliate code. Thanks for supporting the blog!

1. Modcloth 3/4 sleeve blouse 2. Old Navy pocket tee 3. J. Crew wool-linen scarf 4. Old Navy faux leather backpack purse 5. Vince silk trousers (Similar from Express) 6. Great Plains dropped-waist dress from House of Fraser UK (Similar from ASOS)

What's your favorite fall trend?

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

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.