precious puppy

My mom's friend has the most adorable puppy!  

I kind of wish she was mine, but she was a handful!

Kiel James Patrick Dashing Valerie headband // Premier faux pearl necklace (email amandabaileyjewels@gmail.com) // Ralph Lauren oxford // hand me down Ralph Lauren sweater vest from Mom // HMD Harris Tweed coat from Mom // Ralph Lauren khakis // Clarks Wallabees

scalloped fair isle fox

I've been wearing this sweater for years, though its subtle elbow patches are currently on trend. 

I'd been eyeing this scallop oxford for months and was so excited to get it on sale after Thanksgiving. Going by the size chart, I ordered a small, and it fit me like a glove. Now that I've washed it, it fits me like a tight glove . . . but it still doesn't gape open like other oxfords. This is a quality made in USA shirt that I would recommend for petite women like myself.

I had to throw in the earrings--and a headband--with my order. Ever since a few summers ago when foxes overran my city, I've been into fox motifs.

Kiel James Patrick Ferress Fox Drift Knots earrings // Kiel James Patrick Pemberton Racquet scallop oxford // J. Crew sweater // hand me down belt from Mom // HMD Gucci bag from Mom (similar on eBay; I like this new one) // Joe's Jeans // Loeffler Randall flats

FIVE on Friday

I like the number 13 and welcome this Friday the 13th with open arms. I have had a great week full of surprises!

I hadn't been having the best time of things lately. Last Friday night, in the balmy 70 degree weather, I sat on my front porch, and I spent a while praying and reading my Bible. I asked God to help me be content. You know when a lot of little things aren't going well and it's just tough? When you think that eventually something's got to give? No matter what, I know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). He is the source of true joy, and it is always a blessing to slow down and spend more time with Him. He also likes to give his children good gifts, and I've seen Him show me several good gifts this week. Those good gifts are my FIVE on Friday.

ONE | After I went inside, I picked up my phone. I was shocked and ecstatic to find out that Kiel James Patrick had chosen me as his #BetterSweaterer pick of the week! A week or two before, Sarah and Sadie announced that they were hosting an Instagram contest to find the better sweaterer each week until Christmas. I knew that I had plenty of sweatering to do that I was planning to blog about anyway. I've mentioned before how extensive my grandmother's sweater collection is, and I pull out a few of the gems especially for Christmastime. Below is the photo that KJP chose to regram.  

TWO | Last week, Southern Living asked readers to post their Christmas decorations, and The Daily South would choose favorites to post Saturday. I grew up watching my mom read Southern Living, and I borrow her issues now to read. I like catching up on The Daily South from time to time to see what's going on in our region. I checked the site on Saturday, and I was thrilled to see not one, but TWO of my photos on The Daily South! See the post here. 

THREE | On Monday, I received a package of Kiel James Patrick goodies that I ordered during their Black Friday sale. I look forward to styling what's in these boxes!  

FOUR | On Wednesday, I received my Kslademade key fob that I ordered during their Black Friday sale.  I'm so thankful that I could buy great products from both of these companies, made in the USA, on sale!  

FIVE | I found out through Instagram that Loren Hope was having a trunk show at Monkee's on Wednesday, and they would be giving away a Lyra necklace. I have followed and admired the brand for a while, and I made sure to go by the trunk show for a couple of gifts.  Loren was great, and I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet her!!! I couldn't believe that I also WON the necklace!!! 

Sometimes things can lift your spirits a little bit. I am thankful for these "little happies," as my sister in law would call them, this week!

You can link up for Five on Friday, too, at any of these blogs:

The Good Life Blog

Carolina Charm

A.Liz Adventures

Hello! Happiness

Lilly sale score

Did you hear the hype about the big Lilly sale a few weeks ago?  They do have a whole lot on sale for incredible deals each year, but I have not done well with the sale in the past.  Last year, I ordered a child's dress in a print I loved, but it turned out too short.  Fortunately, I could hand it down to my twelve-year-old friend ;)  I also bought a couple of knit tops in pretty prints, but the fit is weird.  This year, the website crashed and they sold out of my size in what I wanted immediately.  However, I kept looking, I went by the size chart and crossed my fingers, and I actually did well.  I bought two dresses that I love and that fit plus several other goodies, mostly from the sorority collection.  

I didn't realize this dress was going to be NEON in person, but I still like it.  It doesn't scream "summer 2013," and I feel like I'll still wear it for several years, if not decades.  

Anthropologie earrings (gift from B) // Lilly Pulitzer Delia dress // Kiel James Patrick bracelet (gift from B) // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Marc by Marc Jacobs bag // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

Lauren Winstead and the Everlane t

I teamed up with Lauren Winstead to take outfit photos that will be appearing here over the next few weeks.  I wanted to do better than mirror pics from my iPhone, so please enjoy her hard work!  

The outfit below was actually the last one I put on during our shoot.  I recently purchased this white t from Everlane, and I recommend trying them out.  They offer free shipping if you make your first purchase soon after signing up.  When I was desperately on the hunt for a new white t, it was hard to beat made in America for $15 and free shipping.  

earrings - Jenni K in Greenville

scarf - hand me down from mom

shirt - Everlane

skirt - Forever 21

watch - flea market in Paris (Paris adventures here)

bracelet - Kiel James Patrick

nails - OPI Hot n Spicy

shoes - Pappagallo hand me down from mom

In addition to outfit photos, Lauren also took some for profile photo options.  

I chose this one for my current profile photo.  What do you think? 

mother's day gift ideas

I just (!) remembered a suggestion my friend Wesley made a while ago for me to do gift guides.  If you shop last minute or are unconcerned about delivering the gift on the actual day, maybe this post will reach you in time for mother's day ;) If not, she'll have a birthday sooner or later.

If your mom is stylish and a little bit preppy, loves button downs enough that she already has every color, and cares about where her clothing is made, maybe you should get her a Kiel James Patrick Scallop Oxford. They come in five colors; personally, I want the green.  Not planning to spend $120?  Check out their bracelets, made in Rhode Island.

If your mom is a little bit trendy and likes fun jewelry, she will appreciate the recently added acrylic monogram earrings from Moon and Lola.  The pair I have my eye on are acrylic crosses with a gold monogram.  Also check out the staple filigree earrings and monogram necklace that Moon and Lola is know for.  These items are all made nearby in Apex, North Carolina.  Take some time to visit their flagship store on Wilmington Street in Raleigh to smell the wonderful soaps, too!

Want to go with something a little more traditional?  Make sure the pajamas you buy her are made in the U.S. like this pretty floral set from BedHead, where they are running a mother's day special for free shipping and a gift box.  Or give a certificate for her next manicure and pedicure; I recommend Tanas in Raleigh.

What are you getting your mom for mother's day?  If you're a mom, what would you like to receive for mother's day?