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

pinspiration: new year's eve

I recently saw a post where someone described 2017 as "personally, great; internationally; a mess," and I couldn't agree more. While our New Year's Eves tend to skew toward the cozy (our friends plan a night of Minute to Win It games and appetizers), if this year's fashion offerings are any indication we're all dreaming of a little Studio 54 throwback style. Even a cozy night at home needs a little sparkle and glitter, in my opinion. Let's do this, 2018. We're ready.

Style: My December Stitch Fix (#9)

Is it just me, or did the holidays go by really fast this year? I decided to give myself a little treat this holiday season and order a winter Stitch Fix box. My stylist, Heather, picked cozy items based on the sweaters and tops I had added to my Pinterest board. If you're looking for some comfy, warm items to pin for your stylist, read on!

This is not a sponsored post. I signed up for Stitch Fix and purchase each of my Fixes myself. My opinions on this blog are always 100% honest. This post does contain affiliate links - for each new sign-up I will receive a commission towards my next Stitch Fix.

As usual, I was psyched when I saw the colors and textures in my box - stylist Heather does a great job of basically creating little capsule wardrobes for me each season. This box included a pullover sweater with elbow patches, a cozy funnel-neck sweatshirt, a plaid button-down, a crossover top, and and a warm blanket scarf.

The first item I tried on was the Skies are Blue Forest Two Pocket Top, which I paired with the Kut From The Kloth Dayna Skinny Jeans from my November Fix and my Franco Sarto booties. I'm pretty sure my stylist Heather has some crazy plan to get me into a maroon and navy plaid, because this top reminded me a lot of the plaid sweatshirt I returned last month. I don't wear shirts that button all the way down because they gap at the bust on me, so this top didn't have much of a chance. Plaid collared shirts aren't really my style anymore. Status: Returned.

I was so excited to unbox the Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt - I've seen this top in other bloggers' Fixes and thought it looked so comfortable. Not only did stylist Heather send me one of the coziest pieces StitchFix has to offer, she sent it in my absolute favorite color - royal purple! I love the marled texture of the top - it's more like a thick knit sweater than a typical jersey sweatshirt. Status: Kept! I wore this on numerous holiday outings!

Okay, let's talk about the RetroD Morrison Elbow Patch Pullover. The marled brown knit and elbow patches are beautiful, and scoop neck is really flattering. Unfortunately, there's a contrast-knit triangle under each arm that creates a really frumpy look on my already petite frame. Mr. Q did not like the way this looked on me at all, and looking at the pictures, I wasn't a fan either. Status: Returned. Goodbye, my beautiful elbow patches.

Up next was the Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top. I'd pinned a lot of tops and sweaters with crossover details, but this piece was not flattering on my body at all - the  v-neck was nice, but the thin fabric and ruching clung to my tummy in a really unattractive way. Status: Returned. I also received the Accessory Collective Calla Striped Oblong Scarf. I love the idea of blanket scarves, but I very rarely wear the one I already have. Status: Returned - for kind of a strange reason. I'm a science nerd, and the pattern on this scarf reminds me of a Scarlet King Snake's markings. I couldn't unsee it once the idea popped into my head. 

Check out this cute Christmas card I received from the Stitch Fix Influencer team! They've been great to work with this past year and I look forward to learning more about fashion and continuing to refine my personal style in 2017.

Stitch Fix is doing something really cool this January and February - they're partnering with Goodwill® to deliver a simple way to make a difference via the Give Back Box®. Here's how it works - just package up clothing or household goods you wish to donate in your Stitch Fix box (or any box!) and print a free shipping label. Then, drop it at any post office or UPS drop-off location, or simply leave it at your doorstep for USPS pickup. If you're anything like me and your pile of items to donate tends to sit in a corner forgotten, you know this is an awesome idea. Give Back Box® will email you a receipt for tax deduction purposes after your donation is received.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? It's one of my favorite ways to treat myself while still staying within a budget! My stylist, Heather, has really helped me to helped me define my personal style (I call it "preppy bohemian") and invest quality pieces I will actually wear (no more items hanging in the closet with tags still attached!) When you sign up for Stitch Fix, you pay a $20 personal styling fee and fill out a profile with your detailed size, style, and price preferences. Your stylist will choose five items just for you, and the $20 styling fee is applied toward the cost of any items you decide to keep from your shipment (This is my ninth Fix, and I've always fallen in love with at least one item per box!). If you haven't let Stitch Fix style you, what are you waiting for?

Linking Up With:

Share Your Fix at Crazy Together                      Style Sessions at Style Elixir 

Mix it Mondays at By Lauren M                      Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Get Your Pretty On                 Beauty by Miss L            Thursday Fashion Files
Sincerely Jenna Marie  I Do DeClaire  Shopping My Closet Posh Classy Mom

sunday simplicity.

Heather Spriggs via Toast

“Nothing is ever really lost to us 
as long as we remember it."

― L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl

this week's clicks.

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

• Grace Potter is definitely one of my favorite musicians, and I love this live session recording of "Empty Heart."

SWOON.

Shaun Menary via Snippet and Ink

• A rustic bohemian wedding in the desert with vintage details.
• From Ruffled, a cool Philly antiques emporium wedding.
• Love this purple Cancun wedding's stunning photography.
• A modern split-level apartment filled with quirky, colorful art.

SMILE.

• Oh Joy's Target collab and Kate Spade fall = SWAN FEVER.
• Via Apt Therapy, a map for when your area reaches peak fall.
• Halloween vibes - Lia's 3-D paper bats and treat boxes!
• This year, I'm dreaming of a spooky and sparkly Halloween.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: September faves, Literary Junkies, the intro to my 31 Days series, Love Where You Live (hoping to finish it up this year!), and ideas for loving your neighborhood.
• 2014: graphic black and white wardrobe and home decor picks.
• 2013: my BFF's blue and yellow rustic wedding, casual game day style, berry wardrobe updates for fall, and a low-country boil at the lake.
• 2012: our wedding recessional and indoor wedding party portraits.

this week's clicks.

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

• Though this has become a surprisingly busy summer, I hope to spend as much spare time as possible in the next few weeks working on my writing - if you follow me on Pinterest, you may have put together the clues that I'm working on something inspired by the medieval period. I've been listening to a lot of soundtracks, instrumentals, and dreamy tracks like this one from Lawrence Greenwood, also known as Whitley.

SWOON.

Alicia Lacey Photography via Style Me Pretty

• A fairytale French-inspired lavender inspiration shoot.
• Taylor's Alice Through the Looking Glass inspired shoot.
• From Wedding Chicks, a pretty pink wedding in Arizona.
• Pinning all of the ice cream and frozen pop recipes lately...

SMILE.

• Book Riot rounds up 33 ways to have a bookish summer.
• Packing tips from Modish and Main and The Spiff...
• a summer vacation capsule wardrobe from Everyday Savvy...
• and while you're traveling, check out these literary city guides.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: retro gingham and aquamarine summer style updates, camp-inspired Pinterest faves, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, and my favorite fictional wardrobes.
• 2014: weird faves, cute and easy washi tape home decor for Independence Day.
• 2013: patriotic fashion and entertaining picks, side dish recipes, my first Color Run, and early summer in IG.
• 2012: summer in the country, poolside essentials, and a special 4th birthday.  
• 2011: pre-wedding crunch time - dyed wedding shoes and Etsy garters, my veil and jewelry, and our menu, inspired by our favorite Southern comfort food.

this week's clicks.

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

Caitlin McWeeney Photography via Wedding Chicks

• A lavender Texas wedding full of personalized details.
• Love this whimsical, boho summer beach wedding.
• A fresh modern moodboard from Rachel Ellen Events.
• Early summer work outfit inspiration (gingham!).

SMILE.

• Audrey's on-point packing list for Memorial Day weekend.
• Brit + Co's list of shows to fill the Once Upon a Time void.
• The coolest Kickstarter - Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.
• In love with this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt right now.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My 80's birthday inspiration board.
• 2014: the #1 hit song on my b-day in years past, spring blog loves, and my spring in IG.
• 2013: my cousin's homecoming, favorite pieces from Target, Instagrammers to follow, and entertainment faves from May.
• 2012: confetti-inspired wedding inspiration.  
• 2011: ideas for signature cocktails, memorial day party inspiration, my "venue twins" , and our wedding invitation!

Oscars 2016: Favorite Trends

This year's Oscar red carpet was a true reflection of current fashion trends, with several of Pantone's colors of the year for 2016 seen on leading ladies - and gentlemen. After SO MUCH TAUPE last year, it was refreshing to see lovely jewel tones dominating the fashion coverage. Here are some of the major color trends that went from the runway to the red carpet. For image sources, check out my Pinterest board (and pin from there rather than from this post, please!)

Best Dressed

Soft colors will always win me over (like Anna Kendrick's simple coral halter dress from last year), and this year I was infatuated with Cate Blanchett's gown in a color Pantone calls Limpet Shell. The appliques make it similar to the dress she wore to the 2014 awards, which makes sense - both are Armani Prive and make her look like a princess. The shape is so flattering on her and the color is gorgeous on her.

Blue Violet

My favorite colors made a big impact on the red carpet this year - Best Actress winner Brie Larsen wore a ruffled dress with a camisole neckline, and Mindy Kaling's black sheath dress featured a blue violet train that was really unique and lovely.

Naomi Watts and Tina Fey both rocked purple on the red carpet. I think this is the most elegant I've ever seen Tina looked and I liked how both leading ladies paired their strapless dresses with statement necklaces.

Trendy Taupe

This shade of cerulean has been dubbed Snorkel Blue and was spotted on both ladies and gentlemen at this year's Oscars. Both Sofia Vergara and Patricia Arquette chose flattering shapes in this color that looks beautiful on every complexion.

I have gone on record in totally loving dudes in blue tuxes (see Jason Sudeikis in 2014 and Eddie Redmayne last year). Among the handsome gentlemen wearing Snorkel Blue with black were Aaron Rodgers (escorting girlfriend Olivia Munn) and Best Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo. Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Michael Strahan also wore this color on the red carpet.

Classic Black

A black gown is always appropriate for Oscar night, and Jennifer Garner's was one of my absolute favorite looks of the night - so elegant. I also liked Julianne Moore's gown with geometric accents.

White Florals

Isla Fischer and Priyanka Chopra would both look great wearing paper bags, but look so lovely in white dresses with floral motifs. Isla's dress features romantic chiffon, while Priyanka's was figure-hugging, sheer, and J. Lo-worthy.

Marsala Shades

Variations of 2015's Pantone Color of the Year are still very popular at Hollywood events. I loved television host Zuri Hall's form-fitting gown and unique necklace, and Chrissy Teigen continues to be the most fabulous pregnant person probably ever.

Copper and champagne were the trendy metallic shades at last year's Oscars, but this year the pendulum swung back to classic silver and gold. Margot Robie clearly loves 70's-inspired dresses with plunging necklines and tassel details - her look this year hit many of the same notes as the black dress she wore last year. Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley wore a silver tea-length sheath that was elegant and youthful.

What were your favorite looks at this year's Oscars?

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?

clicks of note: i'm going home...

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

• If you watched this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, you may have spotted North Carolina string band Mipso. They describe themselves as " renegade traditionalists," and I'm loving their music.

SWOON.

Laura Ivanova via Snippet and Ink

• An elegant NY mansion wedding from Snippet and Ink.
• Connie Whitlock shares a moody sand dunes elopement.
• Can we declare Kelly the queen of Christmas decorating?
• A lovely ballet inspired shoot from Mirelle Carmichael.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Minding My Nest, Sarah Hearts, Smashing.
• Jimmy and Rashida's newst holiday remix is perfect.
• The perfect hat for ugly Christmas sweater parties.
• Obsessed with natural-meets-glam holiday decorating.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I rounded up my December favorites.
• Two years ago, I shared my faves and rounded up black and white wardrobe picks.
• Three years ago, I wrote about our Christmas traditions, reflected on how important caregivers are during the holidays, and put together gift guides for the quirky and glam girls in my life.  I also shared a peek at our Dickens-inspired Christmas decorations.
• Five years ago, Mr. Q and I got engaged and officially started this blog.

wedding wednesday: vineyard inspired

Happy first day of autumn, everyone! I'm enjoying watching the first signs of fall color appear here in the Blue Ridge Mountains and looking forward to my community's wine festival this weekend - which has my imagination turning today toward the perfect vineyard wedding - a plum color palette, dahlias, roses, and other fall flowers, and classic nods to a winery setting.

Sherrell Photography via Rustic Wedding Chic

I love the sweet ruffle on this plum bridesmaids' dress.

Julie Mikos Photographer via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Vitalic Photo via The Every Last Detail

Sherrell Photography via Rustic Wedding Chic

de la Barra Photography via Design Sponge | Vitalic Photo via The Every Last Detail

How fun (and easy) is this cork monogram?

Julie Mikos Photographer via Elizabeth Anne Designs

An apple basket makes the perfect vessel for an autumn dahlia centerpiece.

The Nichols via Southern Weddings

Katie DeLorme via Style Me Pretty | Mosca Studio via One Wed

Liz and Ryan via United With Love

Michael and Anna Costa Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Have you ever been to a vineyard wedding? How does your community welcome fall?