hand me down honeymoon part three: patriotic date night

Since our wedding was a week before July 4, we wore quite a bit of red, white, and blue on our honeymoon. I always love wearing patriotic outfits all week before Independence Day. Zack was a good sport and joined me.

This particular day, we had been snorkeling. I was reading on the porch when Zack came out all cleaned up and asked me out on a date. This was only like our third date, so I was pretty excited. Most of our relationship has involved spending time together with our families and living in different states, so it almost feels like we are just starting to date each other.

We took the boat out to eat dinner then sat on the water and watched the sunset. 

K: Just Madras skipper dress (here too) // Jack Rogers sandals

Z: Polo Ralph Lauren shirt // Chubbies shorts

October sales

I've noticed a bunch of sales popping up lately, at some of my local favorites and USA made brands. I usually wait until Black Friday for (mostly online) Christmas shopping, but I've already started now. Here's a quick list to get you started -- let me know if there are others I should add.

Charlotte's yearly 25% off sale is going on until Sunday, October 26.

Moon and Lola has 15% off sitewide until Sunday with code HAPPY15. Now is the time to order personalized pieces for Christmas.

Furbish has 30% off all sale items with code SALE30.

Collared Greens has 30% off sale items with code FTT.

Zinke swimwear has 50% off the entire site for 24 hours with code ZINKEFRIENDS.

Merry Stockings has an extra 10% off already reduced prices with code CLEARANCE. I just discovered these personalized, made in USA stockings, in plenty of time to order for Christmas.

MORE ADDED

Devon Baer has 10% off this weekend with code TAKE10

K.slademade has 20% off sitewide until October 26 with code KSMSWEETTREAT

J. Crew chino shorts: orange crush

Allison and I went on a tour of the Topo distillery last week. 

We learned about the distillation process and saw how they fill with a 1940's dairy equipment, hand label, and hand cork each bottle. 

To me, the most interesting part about the distillery is their local and sustainable practices. The water they use for cooling is run through the system at least twice. They grow organic wheat in Scotland Neck, and leftover mash goes to fertilize fields and feed livestock. 

Topo prides itself on flavor. The spices below go in their Piedmont gin. 

After the tour, we strolled down Franklin Street and ended up at Sup Dogs. It is one of my Greenville favorites and has more recently opened up another shop in Chapel Hill. 

I had dreams of taking pictures with the beautiful scenery on campus, but it started pouring rain. Allison insisted on me standing in the rain for a few of the photos. 

Patio at Sup Dogs, Chapel Hill, baseball on TV. I don't hate it. 

Definitely #notpaleo, but a must. 

Anyone else love Sup Dogs? If so, you have got to try the Orange Sup Crush. I had never had it before, but it was on special and sounded good. It is basically orangeade and so delicious! 

Moon and Lola Compton earrings // Trina Turk top // J. Crew 4" chino shorts // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

Beaufort

My friend Hillary and I met up in Beaufort late Friday night. After settling in and cuddling with the cat, we woke up for the beach Saturday. I enjoyed grapefruit and coffee on the porch before Hillary got up. The house we stayed in has a lovely front porch, perfect for morning Bible study and breakfast. 

We stopped by the Beaufort farmers' and craft market then headed to the beach at Fort Macon. I am not usually an ocean swimmer, but the water there was pleasant and calm. 

I finished reading The Robber Bridegroom by Eudora Welty and started on Go Down, Moses by Faulkner. When I go to the library, I often look for what I feel like I missed in my southern literature class in college (either because it wasn't assigned or I just didn't read it). 

Hillary dusted off her ballet skills on the beach. 

We strolled the Beaufort waterfront and I fell in love with this house, still decked out patriotically. 

We waited a little too late for outfit photos, but Hillary did her best and impressed me with her photography. 

I saw this Just Madras dress at High Line last summer, then I saw Mackenzie wearing it on the Tuckernuck blog this spring. I had to have it, and I was thrilled when I went by High Line this summer and found exactly what I wanted. Now I want it in every color! My earrings are Moon and Lola, belt is hand me down from Mom, and sandals are Jack Rogers. 

Our romantic stroll coincided with the super moon. 

Seriously, who owns this house, and will they let me rent a room?!

On Sunday morning, we went kayaking on Taylor's Creek. After our workout, I had to go in the recently opened SOUTHERN fROCK store, where I found the best fitting wrap dress I have ever put on! We spent a little more time on the beach, then I stopped by Dee Gee's before heading home. What a charming place to get away! 

waking up in red, white, and blue

Continuing my tradition of wearing red, white, and blue all week before July fourth, I jumped at the chance to buy these Sleepy Jones pajamas (Alex tank, Tauba short) on sale recently. My mug is a hand me down, stamped with the Carolina Aero Club logo. Three generations of my family have been involved in the club, which played a large part in my parents meeting. 

I'm so glad to have patriotic pajamas that are made in the USA! And below is what our mornings actually look like. 

Happy Independence Day!!!

Father's Day gifts: khakis

I bought my dad's Father's Day gift months ago, but it's obvious by now that I'm not so good at keeping on a blog schedule that looks forward. I live life and then post it on here later. 

About Father's Day: dads like khakis. 

I gave my dad a pair of Jack Donnelly khakis for Christmas, and he LOVES them. He was on a search--he had tried on pair after pair, unsatisfied, until I struck gold with the pleated Daltons (pleated no longer for sale). They look nice, are great quality, feel comfortable, and are made in the USA! 

In case you haven't heard, Duck Head is back! They are beginning to sell clothes again, including khakis made nearby in Greensboro. My dad used to stock up on Duck Head shorts especially, but they've all worn out. I am looking forward to getting him a new pair; if they stick to their old fit, they'll be another solid made in USA option. 

That's all the suggestions I've got for now. What are y'all giving your dads???

Over Under and a new friend

This is my latest made in USA purchase: an Over Under Huntsman Collar. 

It's a handsome collar, and I appreciate the name plate so there's no jingling. 

I also own a shirt by Over Under and gifted my brother the Cannon's Point Single Shotgun Shell Belt last Christmas. I'm so glad that he loves it and wears it often!

I already had one of their coozies from my brother's belt order, and I'm glad to add another to my collection that matches the collar. 

Who in the world would I purchase this collar for?! Well, here's a glimpse of my new [foster] friend . . . who may or may not be staying around. 

Looking good, Dan!



If I had room in my budget, here are a few things I'd add to my Over Under collection:
Bourbon and Boweties collaboration bangle
Sky Blue Original Logo tee
"The Collection" tee for my duck enthusiast brother
The Lewiston Handbag
and can we get a "Go Pirates" version of these stadium cups?

Old Try shirt

Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Classic // Mary Kay Firecracker lipstick // The Old Try shirt // Premier necklace // American Apparel skirt // HMD Ferragamo bag from Granny // Sam Edelman Alvin flat

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