Showing posts with label colors: fuchsia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colors: fuchsia. Show all posts

Monday, December 12

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.
  • I've had this tune stuck in my head for weeks now and it was driving me crazy because I didn't know what it was called, what the words actually were other than "In the silence of the night..." or who sang it - thank goodness The Santa Clause was on TV last night and I realized it was from the scene where the characters visit the North Pole for the first time. The song is "The Bells of Christmas" by Loreena McKennitt. It's a shame it's so hard to find, because it's absolutely magical.

SWOON.


SMILE.

FLASHBACK.

Sunday, November 1

sunday simplicity: all saint's day



“love will have been enough; all those impulses of love return to the love that made them. Even memory is not necessary for love. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.” ― Thornton Wilder

Sunday, August 30

sunday simplicity.


“Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape...” - Harper Lee

Wednesday, August 5

Style: Date Night with Weddington Way

Remember the closet from 27 Dresses, overflowing with bridesmaids' dresses featuring everything from puffy sleeves to hoop skirts? We've all been there: our girlfriend was so excited that she'd found a dress we'd totally wear again... and it's been in the back of the closet since the day she said "I do." Or worse, maybe we were that girlfriend (I certainly haven't seen any of my girls out on the town dressed like purple goddesses lately). 

A few things set Weddington Way them apart from other boutiques: their dresses are super stylish, they offer dress rentals, and they focus on a collaborative experience so bridesmaids can select dresses they want to wear again! To prove it, here's how I'd restyle one of their versatile bridesmaids' dresses for a summer date night.

Date Night with Weddington Way

For my re-style, I chose the Rita little black special occasion dress. The halter neckline, straight style, and short length keeps it from looking too "bridesmaidy," and best of all, it has pockets. For a perfect summer date night look, an LBD calls for a pop of color, a little bit of print, and fun jewelry - no tulle, butt bows, shoulder pads, or Scarlett O'Hara hats in sight! Check out all of Weddington Way's bridesmaid dresses here. You'll be a lot more successful than I was when I tried to re-wear a bridesmaid's dress on a date...


Don't be like this me.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever re-worn a bridesmaids' dress?

Tuesday, August 4

travelogue: charleston, south carolina - part 2


Today I wanted to spotlight some of the fun places we visited on our trip to Charleston. The first place we went to see in the city was the South Carolina Aquarium - I'm a life science nerd at heart, and after some online research, it was first on my list of must-see attractions. I was especially excited about the new Madagascar exhibit which included one of my favorite animals - lemurs! Mr. Q and I may have been one of few childless couples at the aquarium, but I have to say I think we enjoyed it as much as any of the kids.


The South Carolina Aquarium is organized by ecosystems, beginning with those close to home for visitors from the Carolinas (and to we Virginians), the Mountain Forest and the Piedmont. The SC Aquarium isn't limited to fish or even just to aquatic creatures - in addition to the aforementioned lemurs, the Mountain Forest exhibit included a Bald Eagle rescued from Florida and river otters (who swam way too fast for me to get a picture!). The next exhibit, the Coastal Plain, featured a huge albino alligator and poisonous snakes.


One of the SC Aquarium's cool features is that many of the exhibits, like the woodland stream and Saltmarsh Aviary, include open tanks so that you can really see the animals from every angle. You can feed a manta ray while also watching birds and turtles.


The Coastal exhibit upstairs featured large tanks with beautiful animals including slightly-creepy lionfish, eels, sharks, and sea turtles. The two-story Ocean tank was probably my favorite exhibit because it included a 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle! Downstairs, there were tanks of jellyfish and animals that live at the bottom of the ocean.  In addition to the impressive tanks, the SC Aquarium offers two touch tanks - upstairs, there's an invertebrate tank with hermit crabs, anemones, and horseshoe crabs native to Carolina tidal pools. Downstairs on the terrace, there's a new exhibit called Shark Shallows that we were really excited about because it's a touch tank with stingrays, cownose rays, and little bonnethead sharks! It requires patience - especially when little kids are splashing in the water or trying to poke the sharks - but eventually we got to pet stingrays (slimy) and a shark (rubbery)!


Since the temperature was going to be under 90 on Saturday, our second full day in Charleston, we decided to make that our beach day. Each of the beaches around the city is said to have its own personality, and I was really interested in checking out Folly Beach, which has a reputation as the "bohemian" beach. On the drive toward Folly, it became clear that we weren't the only ones who thought a beach day was a good idea, and the parking lots around the pier and main strip at the beach were crowded and expensive. We drove away from the pier to find a metered space that wasn't too bad and staked our claim on a stretch of shore. There was plenty of people-watching at Folly Beach, from surfers to cute kiddos, but it was so windy that the ocean was almost too rough to swim. After fighting with the waves for a couple of hours, we decided to get a bite to eat, and since parking was so limited on Folly Beach we headed inland away from the touristy strip (although I'd love to check it out again during the off-season or on a weekday!)


Is it tacky to write about seafood in the same post as an aquarium review? I'm going to say no because the SC Aquarium actually works to educate the public about sustainable eating. We stopped at Roadside Seafood on Folly Road in John's Island, which is a non-touristy area right between the beach and the city. It's a cute, clean diner specializing in fried seafood which was exactly what we wanted. I decided to try she-crab soup since it is such a Charleston culinary staple, and was really impressed by how good Roadside's version was! I also got the crab bites, which are like crab cake hush puppies served with remoulade. Mr. Q got the black fin shark bites with BAM sauce. The service was fast, our waitress was friendly, and we felt like locals.

For my shopping outfit, I paired my favorite LOFT geo print henley 
shell (similar) with a handmade arrow and feather charm necklace, basic khaki shorts, my Old Navy bucket bag (similar) and BareTraps sandals (similar). 
I love having a mix and match wardrobe when traveling.

The low point of our Folly Beach adventure was the ocean stealing Mr. Q's sunglasses, but we decided to make lemonade with a trip to Tanger Outlets, which is probably the prettiest mall I've ever seen. I'm always happy with a shopping trip, especially when it includes stops at LOFT and J. Crew outlets and frozen yogurt afterward!

Tuesday, July 21

Summer Trend: Boho Tassels Under $50

The summer trend I am most obsessed with right now is tassels on everything - jewelry, purses, shoes, you name it - so for this week's style post, I've paired some of my favorite on-sale summer pieces that can easily transition from vacation to the office with the perfect tassel accessories. Best of all, since there are some awesome end-of-summer sales going on right now, every item in this post is under $50!

Summer Trend: Boho Tassels
1. Purple Periodot tassel necklace  2. Old Navy soft pants in Pantone Scuba Blue (on sale for $12.97)  3. LOFT henley shell (currently 40% off)  4. Purple Peridot beaded tassel earrings 5. Antonio Melani tassel sandals in Pantone Tangerine from Dillard's (40% off - similar, similar) 6. Old Navy tropical wrap dress (on sale for $14.97)

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




Tuesday, May 19

style: my third stitch fix [may 2015]

I took a little break from Stitch Fix in March and April, partially because I was spending my money in other areas and partially because it was that weird between-season time when I'm looking for wardrobe completers rather than staples and accent pieces. Since my first two Fixes were so awesome, though, I was ready to try again in May. This time around, I adjusted my style profile again to reflect what I learned from my second shipment, and overhauled my Stitch Fix Pinterest board to focus on fewer, more specific pieces rather than every single thing I think it cute on the Internet. 

I requested Heather as my stylist again since I felt like she did a good job with my style on my second Fix, and also gave her a short wish list with my order (and mentioned my upcoming birthday - it couldn't hurt, right?). As soon as I saw my stack of items this month, I thought, "Oh my goodness, Stitch Fix totally gets me!" The prints, colors, and textures were perfect, and I was really happy to see jeans. However, while the style was perfectly on point this month, the actual fit of my items was less than perfect. I'm going to organize my review a little bit differently this time - I wanted to share the items from my Pinterest I think stylist Heather may have based some of her choices on.


My wish list included stripes, a utility vest, chambray, gray jeans, boyfriend jeans, peplum, neutral statement jewelry a lace top, florals, a jewel tones. Here are some lace tops I had pinned:

Anthropologie (similar) | Ruche 

Stitch Fix sent me the Pixley Carlie Mixed Lace Short Sleeve Shirt. It's cut like a t-shirt, but instead of being lined like the blouses I'd pinned it was completely made of stretchy, completely see-through lace, in multiple patterns sewn together in a curvy seam.


Cute out of the box, not so cute on my actual body. The stretchy lace was very clingy and the shape of the seam was not flattering. From other bloggers' reviews, I found out that apparently Stitch Fix used to include a camisole with this top, but that's obviously no longer the case. I think I might have liked the top without the multiple patterns - if it had been the striped lace all over, maybe. Status: Returned.

I'd also pinned several pairs of boyfriend jeans:


Stitch Fix's answer to my request were the Mavi Sonja Boyfriend Jeans, seen above and below. Since I'm petite, I have some trouble finding jeans, and these were a really good pick - definitely my style (I think I specifically said no holes), potentially work appropriate on a casual Friday, and they had the cute cuffs like the jeans I'd pinned. The fit was fairly tight - more like a skinny jeans than what I thought a boyfriend jean would feel like. The fabric (a cotton/polyester/elastane blend) was a little scratchy, and the jeans were too low-cut to pass the "teacher test" (can I squat down beside a kid's desk? Not in these jeans!). Status: Returned.

I had several jewel-toned cardigans pinned, including this one which I feel like stylist Heather was able to perfectly duplicate!


The 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan is so soft and warm while being fairly lightweight. I absolutely adore the fuchsia color, and had high hopes for this cardigan since the striped skirt I kept in February and the blouse I kept from my first Fix were also from 41Hawthorn. Unfortunately, the sleeves were too long and wouldn't look good rolled up, nor do I feel like a good enough seamstress to hem them!


You can see in this photo that the Pixley lace top looks much cuter on me when the mixed lace and seams aren't visible. I'm still going to look for a lace blouse or tank to wear as a layering piece.

I think my final apparel item was definitely inspired by all of the floral tops on my Pinterest board...


I received the Collective Concepts Lydia Floral Print Key-Hole Blouse. The fabric this blouse is made of is absolutely gorgeous - a deep cobalt with a fuchsia and teal floral and bird print that looks a little bit Asian inspired. It also has fun contrasting straps and black piping.


The part of this top I couldn't love was the keyhole neckline, or as I called it, the boob window. It doesn't look bad in this photo, and probably didn't look so bad in real life, but I knew I would be self-conscious every time I wore this top and it wouldn't work for school. Maria from Kinder Craze and Ashley from Spoonful of Flavor both loved it and look great in it, so check out their reviews if you're thinking of adding this top to your wish list! Status: Returned.

Finally, my accessory from this shipment met the general criteria from my wishlist: a neutral statement necklace. To see why I was a little disappointed in it, let me show you the pieces I'd pinned:

Maurice's (similar) | J. Crew Factory (similar)

Stitch Fix sent me the Romolo Torrin Scratched Metal Fan Necklace. It's shiny, geometric, and statement making, but wasn't quite what I had in mind when I pinned long, bphemian pendants.


Here's how Stitch Fix works, in case you're wondering: when you sign up, you pay a $20 styling fee. That fee can be applied toward any items you decide to keep from your shipment. Everything you don't keep goes back to Stitch Fix in a prepaid Priority Mail envelope. 

Even though I didn't keep any items from this shipment, it really proved to me that the stylists at Stitch Fix put a lot of effort into getting to know clients' personal styles, take notes seriously, and look at Pinterest boards. I've already requested my June Fix!

Want to try Stitch Fix? If you follow this referral link to sign up, I'll receive credit toward my account when you receive your first shipment!



Sunday, February 15

sunday simplicity: love is...



“Love is that condition in which the happiness 
of another person is essential to your own.”
― Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land

Monday, September 29

clicks of note: fear is a friend that's misunderstood...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

  • I've probably posted "The Heart of Life" in this spot before, because it's one of my all-time favorite John Mayer songs, but when this live version popped up on my Pandora I was automatically transported to fall college weekends driving through the Blue Ridge mountains.  I love that he mixes in a little of "In Repair" at the end, too.  I'm linking up, as usual, with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

SMILE.

FLASHBACK.

Tuesday, August 12

style: first day of school teacher outfit

All right, y'all, I feel the need to preface this week's style post with a disclaimer:  it's been raining for several days in a row, I worked for nine hours before taking this photo, and I'm not very good at using the timer on my camera.  Go easy on me, please.  I really wanted to share this LOFT dress because it is teacher wardrobe perfection.  Feels like a t-shirt, looks totally professional, and the skirt is lined.  Plus, the tribal print is a lot of fun.  The darkest stripes aren't actually black, but a very dark purple, but I decided to pair the dress with black accessories for the first day to set a slightly formal tone for going over expectations and procedures.

Dress: LOFT (50% off with code FIFTY)
Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch, really old
Belt: Mossimo from Target (on clearance)
Earrings: "Jute" by Lia Sophia
Pearl bracelets: "Purified" by Lia Sophia
Sandals: BareTraps "Maggy" from Belk (70% off)

Linking Up:
button

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Sunday, July 27

Tuesday, July 22

my fitness style

I'm sure you've heard the common idea that it takes 21 days to form a new habit.  The truth is, it depends on the habit!  For me, summer presents a time to re-focus on my health, hobbies and well-being.  I've been making some gradual lifestyle changes, like cutting down on soda and processed foods and adding some strength training to my routine.   It might sound silly, but brightly-colored workout gear is part of my arsenal and sometimes I sleep in a gym outfit because that gives me one less way to procrastinate in the morning.  I want to get down to a healthy BMI and keep my blood sugar regulated so that I can drop the "pre-diabetic" label next time I get a checkup!  Here are some pieces that would definitely make great rewards for meeting my fitness, health and weight loss goals.

No Excuses!

1. Old Navy tank top  2. Essie polish in "Serial Shopper" + "Too Taboo"
3. Printable wall art from The Lion and the Lark on Etsy
4. Athleta capri pants  5. Carpe Diem pillow from Bright July on Etsy  6. Nike "Roshe Run" sneakers  7. Lifefactory water bottle from Athleta

Linking Up:
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Stylish Tuesday with Life's a Party, Dress Like It and Audrey Salutes



Wednesday, January 15

Beauty: My Favorite 2014 Golden Globes Hair and Makeup

Yesterday I shared my favorite gowns (and two tuxes) from Sunday's Golden Globes. Today, I wanted to feature the ladies whom I think had the best hair and makeup of the night.

Just Jared (1,2)

Machete Kills' Amber Heard is my pick for the best hair and makeup of the night.  She looked flawless with sultry, dramatic Hourglass Cosmetics makeup in a neutral palette with bronze shimmer on her eyes and lips and a tousled updo with a lot of volume.  Her earrings are really interesting, too.

 

Two braided hairstyles made waves on the red capet.  Sarah Hyland from Modern Family told E! interviewers her braided crown was inspired by the Valentino runway, and I thought her bold eyebrows and soft Dior makeup looked great.  


Amy Adams' hairstyle featured two braids on each side of her part pulled into a bun at the crown of her head.  It looked perfect with her very American Hustle gown.


Julia Roberts' Dolce and Gabbana outfit confused me (I'm still not sure if I love it or hate it), but I thought her sleek updo looked perfect, especially the side-swept bangs - it's a classic, can't-fail style for the red carpet.  Parenthood's Monica Potter's side-swept hairstyle and fresh, natural makeup looked great with her gold dress and chandelier earrings.


Giuliana Rancic's bob haistyle proved that it is totally red carpet appropriate.  She looked fantastic in fuchsia and accessorized with a red miniaudiere clutch.


Sofia Vergara wasn't the only star who paired black with Tiffany Blue - Emma Roberts had the same idea!  I love Emma's statement earrings (is it a good or bad thing that they remind me of a J. Crew bubble necklace?), smoky eye, and nude lip.  Her sleek ponytail hairstyle worked really well with all of that drama!  I wrote about how much I loved Sofia's overall look yesterday, and today I'm just going to add that her haircolor looks fantastic.


Romantic looks really ruled at this year's Globes - Kerry Washington rocked a shimmery platinum smoky eye with beautiful long lashes, bronzed cheeks and caramel lips paired with soft waves.  Tina Fey's opening monologue look featured flushed cheeks, deep rose lipstick and more waves!


Emilia Clarke's look was such a departure from her Game of Thrones character that I barely recognized her at first.  She wore her hair in beachy waves and wore soft Chanel makeup in shades of brown and peach, along with a bold manicure (Sally Hansen's Wine Not).