J. Crew chino shorts: turquoise and pink

I wore this outfit to visit with my pal Wendy and discuss life and our upcoming year in small group. 

I didn't do this on purpose but realized later in the day that my shirt and fingernails matched and shorts and toenails matched. On my fingernails: essie madison ave-hue; on my toenails: essie in the cab-ana. 

Lacoste polo (some colors on sale) // J. Crew 4" chino shorts (on sale + extra 40% off) // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from Mom // Sperry topsiders

pink, purple, pearls

I spent a little time in Charleston last week and took advantage of the scenery for outfit shoots. Behind me in these photos are the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (also called the New Cooper River Bridge) and the USS Yorktown. 

A very stylish friend of mine owns Waccamaw Pearls, the brand behind this beautiful pearl bracelet. After teaching in China for two years, she decided to bring quality pearls back with her, and she sells them at incredibly reasonable price points. 

Part of what makes Waccamaw Pearls special is their signature toggle closure. One side is imprinted with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "be joyful always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances." 

I'm very thankful to VC for letting me wear her pearls, and now it's time to start building my own collection. More Waccamaw Pearls to come!

HMD scarf from Mom // Kayce Hughes Willa Ruffle dress // HMD belt from Mom // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from Mom // Sweet Southern Pearls bracelet on loan from Waccamaw Pearls // Loren Hope small Sarra cuff // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

roots and boots

Moon and Lola metal script monogram necklace // hand me down sweater from Granny // Ralph Lauren oxford // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag // Joe's Jeans // Frye pull on Billy boot

photos by my sister in law

Emerson Fry dress

I went on a bit of a #madeinUSA shopping spree recently, and I could not be happier with my purchases.  I have been hunting (mainly online) for women's clothing that is American made.  If I were going to build a wardrobe from nothing and aim to buy USA made, it would be tough.  Enter Emerson Fry's foundation basics line.  I decided to start with this dress, and I'm so glad that I did; it's incredibly soft and comfortable and can be worn many different ways.  I waited anxiously for a few weeks to receive my dress, but it came in beautiful packaging and was worth the wait.  

Of course, I bought even more local (Apex, NC) when I ordered these Moon & Lola earrings on October's first Friday.  This pair is a versatile addition to my growing M&L stud collection.  

Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Classic // Moon and Lola small acrylic Hartford block monogram earrings // HMD necklace from Mom // gifted scarf // Emerson Fry raglan sleeve dress // HMD gold bangle from Mom // Michael Kors small Layton watch // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from B's mom // old booties

the good kind of croc

HMD earrings from mom // secondhand necklace from an auction // J. Crew Factory top // Michael Kors skirt // HMD bracelets from mom // Michael Kors small Layton watch // OPI A Oui Bit of Red // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from B's mom // HMD Ralph Lauren calf and croc shoes from mom

washing, flying, cooking, dressing

I failed to take photos of most of what I did this weekend, but it was still great.  B and I washed both of our cars, and my dad and I washed his airplane.   Then, we flew in his airplane, and I finally got to fly my uncle's airplane for the first time.  The wind was completely calm, and I flew like it was my tenth hour in the plane instead of my first.  Maybe my license is within reach after all.

On Sunday, I went to church and then spent some time in the kitchen.  Again, I failed at taking photos.  I had a long time friend over to eat and made one of my favorite recipes - Martha Stewart's lighter sesame chicken with rice and broccoli.  I got really into Martha Stewart's website a couple of years ago and found some no-fail recipes that I go to again and again.  I can see and hear her in my mind saying, "it's a good thing."  Anyone else grow up with a mother who watched Martha?

I also mixed up a (huge) batch of Pioneer Woman's restaurant salsa.  It doesn't go with sesame chicken at all, but it is SO good.  Between Martha and PW, I could almost live without Pinterest.  Almost.  Please come over if you want some salsa.  I'll be eating it with crock pot chicken taco chili.

We already had a couple of desserts around the house: a blueberry pie made by a friend who even picked the blueberries herself and lunch lady brownies that my mom made.  But I couldn't forget to make some tea!  One day I will post about my mom's tea.

HMD earrings from mom // HMD necklace from mom // HMD scarf from mom // HMD Brooks Brothers shirt // HMD bracelet from mom // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Joe's jeans // Sam Edelman Alvin flats // HMD Dooney & Bourke bag from B's mom

coral, navy, and Dooney and Bourke

When I really want to wear pajamas to work, I put on a long skirt or dress.  They are just as comfortable but work appropriate, at least at my job.  I was in want of some long dresses and skirts, which is tough because of my height, when I found this long navy skirt hiding in my closet.  It's a Ralph Lauren petite hand me down from my grandmother.  

I mean, this bag. !!!  I was pretty excited when the vintage Dooney and Bourke trend came around a few years ago because I'd been eyeing this one of my mom's for years, and I knew she would gladly let me use it.  

earrings - hand me down from "Mrs. B"

necklace - Moon and Lola

top - Forever 21

belt - hand me down from mom (lion is the mascot of both of our sororities)

class ring - hand me down from mom (we went to the same high school)

bag - hand me down from mom

skirt - hand me down from Granny

all photos by Lauren Winstead