What To Wear: Thanksgiving Dinner

Can y'all believe that Thanksgiving is next week?!

I know, I know, me neither. 

But in my head, all that I've been trying to do is make it through these last few weeks of school.

I swear, I don't know how I let all of these projects and papers pile up on me, but they definitely do.

But the plus side of being in the education program is that instead of having a final, we have teaching demonstrations and portfolio assignments, oh and a million lesson plans-but that's another story.

I have been so busy procrastinating working on school stuff, that I have had hardly any time to worry about what dish I'm bringing to the million family get-togethers that I have coming up, but I have a few ideas for what I might wear to some of these dinners.

Some are pretty casual, while some are a little more on the dressy side, so I tried to do a little bit of both, although I still wanted to look nice for the casual ones.

Especially since this is C and I's first Thanksgiving as an engaged couple, so you know there will be a million pictures taken.

Anyway, let's get into it so I can finish up this post & get back into lesson planning. #TeacherProbs

Mustard Piko Tunic/Rope Statement Necklace/Patagonia Vest/Fringe Boots/Skinny Jeans

Andddd as I type this I see that I messed up my graphic...but whatever.

I love everything about this, from the simple, comfy Piko top that is instantly dressed up with the rope statement necklace from LOFT (40% off right now!)

The fringe boots have been on my wishlist forever and will probably either be on my Christmas wishlist, or my Christmas gift to myself.

And you just can't not pair all of this with a classic pair of dark-washed skinny jeans from American Eagle. These have the perfect amount of stretch & have a comfy waistband for when you overeat on Thanksgiving dinner.

I would say that this is perfect for a more casual lunch/dinner.

Cardigan (Sold Out similar here)/Maroon Piko Tunic/Similar Necklace/Faux Leather Leggings/TOMs Wedges

Okay, I'm still working on the graphic situation. I'm trying a new method of doing them, so the more I practice, the better they will get-promise. 

I adore this outfit for a little more dressy occasion.

This maroon Piko and chunky knit cardigan are just the right amount of casual and fabulous.

Adding a long, dramatic necklace also adds a little something special.

The faux leather leggings are so chic and trendy & they're best way to wear leggings to dinner without looking like you just rolled out of bed.

Add these herringbone TOMS wedges with the entire look & you will be a winner for sure, and the star of all of the family photos.

If you're looking for some more inspiration you can follow me on social media...

Pinterest

Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/southernstylista

Instagram: SouthernStylista

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Wednesday Wishlist: Monogrammed Gifts

Who does't love a monogrammed gift?

There is just something about those three little initials that make something so special, especially when you're recently engaged (like me!)

The thing about personalized gifts are that you need to make sure you purchase them in plenty of time so that they have time to be made before Christmas (or whatever gift giving occasion that you choose!)

Below I'm going to list some of my favorite monogrammed gift options, at several different price points, so here we go.

Gigi New York Teddie Tote: 

One of my personal favorites is this tote from Gigi New York, it can be left un-personalized or you can add it to the actual bag or simply to a tag that can hang on the side of the bag.

It comes in so many colors, I really love the Stone color!

These are great for tossing all of your stuff in for class or running errands-they fit everything. 

Gigi New York has so many great options, from bags to clutches and everything in between. 

Comfort Colors Monogrammed Tank from LTJDesignCompany:

Who doesn't love a monogrammed tank top, even if it's freezing outside-these are great for lounging around the house or wearing under a sweater & then later in the year, they're great for layering over a swimsuit or wearing with shorts.

For only $15, these could even make a great stocking stuffer-just roll them up & they fill up a ton of space in there!

Monogrammed Key Fob by BourbonBelle on Etsy:

This etsy shop has SO many adorable options for key fobs, from Greek letters to nautical flags, even custom color combinations and fonts for monogrammed fobs.

The best part? They're only $20!

You could snag one for your best friend, your mom, or even the boy in your life.

Monogrammed Wooden Letters:

This 18 inch monogram is only 18 dollars, how great of a deal is that?

Basically, she sends you the letters-you paint them the color of your choice..easy peasy!

This is probably the best deal I have found on these cut-outs without having to buy in bulk, plus they have a million different sizes and styles.

They even have ones that are perfect for the middle of a wreath...how cute would that be for a Christmas front-door wreath?!

Monogrammed Baseball Cap:

There is nothing more simple than throwing on a baseball cap when you're having a rough hair day, especially on those cold, rainy winter days.

Wear them later in the year at the beach or out to a baseball game with your friends or your special guy.

Not only are these caps super adorable with their monogram (they come in all colors & font styles), but they're only $24, a great deal from a great company!

Initial Pillow by OnTheTableDesigns from Etsy:

When I knew I was featuring monogrammed gifts, this shop immediately came to mind.

I have the exact place in my home where I would put this if I were to get it for Christmas...hint hint ;)

Not only do they do initials, but they also do monograms-not just pillows either, but place mats, framed embroidered art, napkin rings, table runners, etc.

They even have the cutest chevron baby pillows...I can't even deal with how cute those are!

Make sure to check out all of these fabulous websites & Etsy shops, they're all linked above.

Make sure to let me know your favorite places to get personalized goodies in the comments below!

Until next time. . . 

xoxo, 

Running Around Style

On Polyvore when I created this set, I titled it Winter-Day Errands, but when I got to looking at it I realized it was perfect for earlier than Winter!

Fall gets pretty serious down here in the South sometimes, other times it could be the middle of December and we're still sweating, it's always a toss-up. 

Sweater/Leggings/Boots/Braid/Pearls/Necklace/Cross-Body/Polish

This sweater is described as a "Tacky-Christmas Sweater", but I think it's so much more than that! I love the little reindeer details, throw it on over some leggings and you're set for class or errands. 

The cross-body bag is perfect for running around town, just toss in your phone, keys, and wallet and you're ready to go. 

I kept the accessories simple, just a pair of pearl studs and a cross necklace. The braid is easy too & it shows off those studs!

The boots are Tory Burch and they are to die for!

The Butter London polish is such a great color, the name even makes me feel all warm and cozy inside, Saucy Jack, love it!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,

Moda Vox Box Review

Moda means fashion or style & this box couldn't mean anything more.

All of the products were so luxurious and amazing.

Included in this box were...

Resource Natural Spring Water

Puffs Softpack Basic

Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa

Jergens Ultra Healing Hand Lotion

Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in the color "As You Want Victoria"

Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara

Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask

First up is the Resource Natural Spring Water. . .

Every day when I head to class, I always have either a bottle of water or my Tervis full of water, this Resource water was just what the doctor ordered for my long day of classes!

It's got naturally occurring electrolytes which make it taste good & be good for you.

Plus, the bottle is 50% recycled & when I finished it, I put it in my school's recycling bins, so the cycle continues!

You can even order resource directly to your home or office...how convenient is that?  

Make sure to visit their website and follow them on twitter & if you do decide to try it make sure to post a picture with the hashtag #RefreshWithResource

Puffs Softpack Basic

Tissues are a must-have for this time of the year, we all get those colds that we just can't shake.

This packaging is so nice, much better than the traditional cardboard box.

Also, the tissues inside are so soft. I not only use them for blowing my nose (TMI, I know)

but I also use them for removing makeup & blotting my lipstick-they don't leave nasty residue behind or anything!

Make sure to pick them up & then you can Instagram your cute boxes with #PassThePuffs & follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa

With Alabama finally getting a frost & cooler temps, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa, a blanket, & Netflix.

I got to try the milk chocolate flavor & it was velvety & delicious, so smooth and enjoyable-everything you would expect from the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

Wanna know what the best part of Simply Cocoa is?

There are only five ingredients; sugar, cocoa, nonfat milk, salt, & natural flavor.

That means no preservatives or artificial flavors/colors!

So yummy & actually not that bad for you!

Make sure you head to your nearest grocery store to pick it up & the "like" them on Facebook & take a picture of your yummy cup and use the hashtag #SwissMissSimplyCocoa

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer

My skin gets so dry during the winter time, so this little baby was a God-send (especially for stashing in my purse/backpack)

It's great for elbows, knees, and heels & the moisture lasts for about 48 hours!

The travel size is awesome, but the full size bottle will be making it's way to my bathroom counter soon.

Get yours today at your local drugstore...

Like them on Facebook & follow them on Twitter, you can even Instagram your process to beautiful skin by hashtagging #1WeekToGorgeous so everyone can see your results. :)

Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lip Liner

I totally underestimated how amazing this lip liner was going to be. Because it's transparent, you can wear it with any shade of lip product & it keeps it all in line, no feathering here, y'all!

It's so smooth & moisturizing, it helps keep my lips from drying out so it's a great product for the winter months.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in the color "As You Want Victoria"

This color is so good, so pigmented, so rich, creamy, & smooth

When they say moisturizing, they aren't joking. I am addicted to chapstick-but there is no need for it with this product, it's that good.

This shade is so fun, it's a fuchsia-not too pink, but not too red.

It's perfection in a tube and my new go-to lipstick, I'm recommending it to all of my friends & now to all of you too!

Make sure to "like" Rimmel on Facebook  and follow them on Twitter for all of their latest updates!

When you buy it at your nearest drugstore make sure you hashtag it with #MoistureRenew

Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara

I'm super picky when it comes to mascara, but this one has almost everything that I love.

The unique-shaped brush reaches all the nooks & crannies, the color of the mascara is so dark and perfect.

Plus, isn't the packaging so cool? Snakeskin printed & textured, it's definitely one of my new favorite additions in my makeup bag.

The only negative is that it isn't waterproof, but as long as I don't wear it when I plan on crying-it's all good!

Take a picture with your huge lashes & hashtag it with #RockinIt #Rimmel

Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask 

I tried this in the shower for the first time the other night in place of my Dove conditioner & I was pleasantly surprised. Not only does it smell amazing, but it is so moisturizing.

My hair is so dry because of using heat products, but this will definitely be helpful to restoring my hair back to it's former glory.

Since I started using it my hair is smooth, shiny, and so incredibly soft.

Make sure you use the hashtag #HairFood when you see it in your local Target, it's a new product so you should be seeing it soon!

I really enjoyed my Influenster Moda VoxBox & testing all of the new products, I definitely found some new favorites & I'm so thankful I got to share them all with y'all!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, but all opinions are my own.

Fall Wreath DIY

I know when Halloween ends & November begins, it seems like everyone jumps straight to Christmas. I'm a huge fan of Christmas, but you can't just skip Thanksgiving!

My mom asked for a Fall-inspired wreath & I was more than happy to help her out, & this is a wreath that can easily be changed into a Christmas wreath...let me show you how to make it!

First, you have to gather all of your supplies.

For this wreath, I headed to Hobby Lobby & picked up several things from the Fall aisle (all 40% off!)

I got several sprigs of leaves, a small burlap pumpkin, and a sprig of assorted Fall floral (sunflower, leaves, etc.)

I got a grapevine wreath (which wasn't on sale, so I was able to use my 40% online coupon)

And a roll of burlap ribbon...

I worked out where I wanted all of the leaves, going up one side of the wreath.

I attached them by simply inserting them into the vines & twisted them in the back until they were secure.

Then, I moved to the other side, where I started by placing the pumpkin (twisting the wire in the back) & then I worked in the other floral pieces behind it in the same manner.

The bow at the bottom was possibly the hardest piece of the entire wreath.

I measured out the ribbon as much as I could while it was on the roll (so I could minimize the mistakes).

The size of the bow depends on how big you want it to be, but basically I looped the burlap to the size I want my first loop to be, then I move to the other side & make a loop of the same size.

Then I make a slightly larger loop-after going back to the first side, then I move to the other side and make a loop slightly larger than the one in front of it.

I take a small piece of burlap & cut it, then I wrap that around the middle creating the bow.

I put the "tails" on the bow separately & secure it all with hot glue.

Do NOT hot glue the actual bow to the wreath if you want to be able to transform it to a Christmas wreath/Spring wreath/etc.

I didn't mention this in the above supply list, but I raided my gift supplies when I was trying to find a way to secure my bow to the wreath.

I had about 6 inch piece of thin navy blue ribbon in my stash & I used it to secure the bow to the wreath (simply tying it instead of gluing it) & it looks great, you can't even see it!

Here is the finished product!

It looks even better hanging up on my mom's red door & the best part of it is that once Thanksgiving is over, I can take all of these pieces off, go to Hobby Lobby & pick up some more Christmas-y decor & change the entire look & save lots of money.

Let me know what you think? I am obsessed with it & can't wait to do Christmas ones for C's house...that is if I can bear to part with my precious U's!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

October Favorites

I never seem to be able to crank out a monthly favorites post on the first day of the next month, but I honestly have good intentions.

This year is absolutely breezing by & I know the next two months will do the same, it will be New Year's before we know it!

I just have a handful of things that I fell in love with this month & I can't wait to share them with you...so let's get into it.

Sheppard's Pie

This is a shameless plug for myself, but this recipe is delicious & easy! It's so yummy to eat on a cool Fall night & I can't wait to make it again now that the weather has actually cooled down.

MakeupByKimm's YouTube Videos

If you like any kind of YouTube videos that are fashion & beauty related, Kim is my go-to & she should be yours too! She's a fellow KMSS sister and her personality is completely adorable. She is so relate-able & her message at the end of each video is great for all girls & women to remember.

ShopStyle

I recently stumbled upon this website while searching for items to feature on the blog & fell head-over-heels in love with it. Basically, it's one of the best fashion resources out there. Not only is there a search feature where you can type in exactly what you're looking for like "fur vest" & many different options from different sites & different price points will come up.

Also, it has a great "offers" and "sale" tab where you can find really awesome deals.

This is a great resource for the upcoming Christmas shopping season!

The Knot (Wedding Timeline)

Since becoming engaged, I have been trying to get everything in order & The Knot has become one of my favorite resources for wedding planning. They have a wedding timeline on the website as well as in the magazine & it is so helpful for laying out my wedding to-do list. Plus, the website is perfect for all sorts of wedding inspiration.

Yes to Carrots Moisturizer

When the weather gets cold, my skin gets so dry.

This Yes to Carrots product that I picked up on a whim from Target has been a life-saver.

My face has never felt so soft before & I can't wait to use it all winter.

Plus, it has SPF 15 which is so important to keeping your skin healthy year-round.

She Wants A Cowboy

This song from Dustin Lynch's newest album is one of my favorite songs for the month.

It's so sweet & reminds me of myself, specifically the fact that I love my sweet farmer, C.

My favorite lyric is, "Motorcycles, turbo Porsches, sailboats, Rolls Royces. . .but she likes horses, she wants a cowboy."

Perfect Storm

My last favorite for this month is Brad Paisley's latest single...it is absolutely perfect.

From the moment I heard it, I knew I was going to love it.

I have two favorite lyrics in this song...

1) "She destroys me in that t-shirt & I love her so much it hurts."

2) "If she was a drink, she'd be a single-barreled bourbon on ice, smooth with a kick, a chill & a burn all at the same time."

So. Freakin'. Good.

I hope y'all enjoyed my October Favorites & I hope that y'all have found a few things to enjoy!

Tell me what you were loving last month or leave a link to your favorites post below. :)

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Style Saturday: Styling a Faux Fur Vest

Have y'all noticed that I love a good "Day" post?

Duh.

I think it just makes me feel witty & organized, but who knows.

This morning, I've been digging around on Pinterest for the perfect way to style my new fur vest (which I finally found the one at Target, for only about $30!) 

I couldn't find my specific vest on Target's website, but I found some other affordable options are here and here, and here.

I thought as soon as I had my hands on the vest of my dreams that I would know exactly how to wear it & do it without hesitation, but now that I've got it...I'm kind of at a loss.

So, I turned to my trusty friend Pinterest for some inspiration & now I'm completely refreshed and ready to wear my vest today to my town's Fall celebration.

Here are some of the images that inspired me. . .

Top knot, over-sized sunglasses, pearl studs, white blouse, gold cuff, and fur vest.

via

Radiant Orchid blouse, fur vest, layered necklaces, stacked bracelets & watch, and clutch.

via The Sweetest Thing

Plaid flannel, cross body bag, over-sized watch, & fur vest.

via Lauren in Lilly

Riding boots, boot socks, leggings, red Piko dress, fur vest, & plaid scarf.

via Red Dress Boutique

Luckily for y'all, I took the time to go through & find dupes of the main portions of these outfits that I have highlighted under their pictures with clickable links to take you straight to the products...minus the fur vests, which I recommend you visit the links for those (because they're basically sold out everywhere else!), so you're welcome ;)

Remember to follow my social media accounts for more inspiration: 

 Pinterest

Tumblr

Twitter 

BlogLovin'

Instagram: SouthernAndStyle

I can't wait to share pictures from this afternoon with y'all & I look forward to sharing last months Ipsy bag, my Moda VoxBox, & my October Favorites with y'all in upcoming posts!

Until next time. . . 

xoxo,