Fall Statement Necklaces for Less Than $50!

This Spring and Summer statement necklaces were all the rage, and Fall proves to be no different.  While looking through the J.Crew, Banana Republic and several other catalogs I'm still seeing the big, bold, colorful statement necklaces in all the collections.  Geranium, the makers of the fabulous necklaces I sold this past summer, have come out with another new, gush worthy color just in time for fall.  This rich, deep green color is a perfect compliment to so many popular fall colors, and I'm already finding a ton of items I have in my closet this piece works with perfectly.  Not only do I love the color, but they have also really improved the quality and stability of these necklaces as I seem to wear them with just about everything!

top- Target (last year), jeans- Citizens of Humanity

I love this mustard color and the green in this gorgeous necklace really pops against the top.  Lauren Conrad featured the mint colored necklace on her blog this spring....for $150! 

Geranium Statement Necklace

$50

The versatility of the necklace is what sold me to begin with, and what keeps me coming back for all the hot new colors.

 

Necklace

$50

This summer, my mint and coral necklaces flew off the shelf, so if you want to order this yummy green one, leave me a comment on this post!  They sell fast, so don't miss out!

My Friday's Fancies....Watermelons and Lemonade

My Friday's Fancies today is all about sweet treat inspirations.  One of my favorite sweets of the summer is the refreshing, summertime cocktail.  Particularly, watermelon and lemonade fabulously compliment each other not only in taste, but also in color pallets, and I used that color combo to come up with my outfit inspiration board for the day.

 

These colors scream summertime and look perfectly airy and effortless while complimenting their classically chic color pallet.

 

Here's one of my favorite Watermelon Lemonade recipes from allrecipes.com you have to try this summer.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 3 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 6 cups ice cubes

Directions

1. Place the watermelon into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
2. Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups of cold water and the lemon juice. Divide the ice into 12 glasses, and scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of watermelon puree over the ice, then top with the lemonade. Gently stir before serving. 
3. ( You can add a little vodka to make it an adult cocktail as well)

 Want to join in on My Friday Fancies?  Hop on over to Long Distance Loving to sign up!

What sweet treats inspire your wardrobe?

Fall Outfit Crush

Yes, it's already that time.  End of summer is drawing near and all the stores are filled with the amazing end of season sales coupled with the hot new fall clothing lines.  While shopping at a local boutique the other day, I had one of those website deals that was burning a hole in my pocket, I kept seeing certain fall trends throughout the store that caught my eye.  One of them was the animal print coupled with the burnt orange colored denim skinny jeans.  I wound up getting the denim at Saks Off Fifth Ave, for a much better price, but I'm still on the lookout for the top.  I put together an outfit inspiration board here to give you all an idea of the look I'm going for.

So what do you think of my Fall Outfit Crush?

I'm guest blogging today over for Andrea at The Blond Ambitions blog, so hop on over there to check out some of my other favorite looks!

How to Plan a Porch Party

While reading my latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens I found an article I was totally gushing over.  A Dallas author, Denise Gee, produced and hosted a feature all about having a Porch Party. I fell in love with the thought, even though I don't have a porch, of having all of my neighbors casually drop by for some drinks, apps and maybe a little gossip before all the craziness of Fall starts up.  I'm always getting inspired by the parties I read about in Southern Living and BHG, so today, I thought I'd share with you all some inspiration for this kind of party.  So take a look at the ideas I found and let me know if this looks like a party you may drop by....

Better Homes and Gardens Porch Party

I wish Denise Gee would come plan my party!

Dying over this Mojito bar!  How stinkin cute is this?

 Shop this Look

Water Caraf

Pottery Barn

$24

 Craft Tags set of 25

Etsy

$3

 Giara Hermetic Bottle 

The Container Store 

$9

Use one of these vintage planters as an ice bucket.

Etsy

$24

Muddler

PotteryBarn

$9

Set of 4 bee glasses

Ballard Designs

$45

Now for the mojito recipe from BHG

 via

To make a mojito, drop a palmful of mint or basil in a glass. Instead of sugar, add a jigger of fruit-flavored simple syrup and rum. Add a couple of teaspoons of fresh lime juice and muddle the herbs. Fill the glass two-thirds full with ice and squeeze in two lime wedges. Top it off with club soda and stir.

Does this look like a porch party you would attend?

If you're in the Nashville area, you don't want to miss this amazing sale this Friday and Saturday...

Hot for Hobos

While out with girl friends the other night everyone, except me,  realized they were carrying the same clutch/wallet. Gasp!! What was this fabulous item that I didn't have, and hadn't even heard of? It's the Hobo clutch. One look at this versatile, stylish clutch and I knew I had to have one. The girls all raved about how you can fit all your cards, checks, and necessities for your night out into this one tiny clutch. What I loved about this accessory is it really is a wallet you can slip into your larger bag, or carry it alone as an evening bag. Either way, you will love this piece. So I did a little research and found these not only online, but also in several boutiques and stores around Nashville. So when you're ready this fall to purchase a new bag or wallet, check out the Hobo clutch.  You'll find yourself hot for hobos as well!

Shop the Hobo 

Hobo International VE-32102 Lauren Caramel

Find them in Nashville at:

Select DILLARD'S
THE COTTON MILL
PHILANTHROPY
A THOUSAND FACES
BOUTIQUE BELLA
(and more!)

My friends and their Hobos.  We even found a girl outside the restaurant who had one.  These Hobo's are everywhere!

Have you heard of, or are you planning on adding a Hobo to your collection?

Wild About Polka Dots

I have to say I'm totally in love with polka dots and this top was on my list of must haves from J. Crew's summer line.  I paired it with navy pants here, but I also have the white pants from yesterday that would look spot on as well....excuse the pun!  Polka dots are sweet yet sassy and are popular year after year.  So find your polka dot piece this season and see what all you can pair it with.

Top- J. Crew // Pant- J.Crew Outlet //Necklace- Geranium

So are you wild about polka dots?

Flower Power

A hot trend this spring and summer has been floral prints.  Bold, colorful prints have been seen in all the magazines and stores and I just knew this was one trend I had to get my hands on.  I wasn't quite ready to jump into the floral denim craze, it's still a little too "Michael Jackson Thriller video" ish for me....remember that girl at the beginning???  So when this little number was peaking out at me from the Banana Republic sale rack I knew it would be mine.  The floral skirt and flowy top are perfect for the work place as they are classic, yet still on trend, and are cool in these super hot summer months.  Pair the skirt with a crisp white button down to give it another option.  This is one trend that is still as hot as the summer temperatures outside!

skirt- Banana Republic (sale) // top-Everly //  shoes-Boutique 9  // bracelet- sale rack find

Look for fun details like this zipper in the back to give your skirt that extra flair.

Do you like sporting the flower power look?

Winning With White

One of my absolute favorite, although high maintenance suits for summer is the pure white ensemble.  Nothing says class and elegance like a summer white suit.  It's the perfect back drop for any color combination and is super cool when you're out working in the heat like myself, and many other sales people do day in and day out.  A simply white back drop goes beautifully with pastel tops and nude shoes, or pair it with bright corals and blues.  The options are endless.  What I love about this suit is you can wear the pants without the jacket if you just want a more casual look, or pair the blazer with a flowy maxi dress or skirt for a weekend outfit.  White suits should be a staple in your wardrobe since summer after summer, they will continue to be popular and ever so versatile.  So if you don't have one, go get you one. You'll probably find them right now at end of the summer sales... bonus!  Trust me, you will find yourself wearing it more than you think.

suit-Banana Republic Factory Store // shirt- H&M // necklace- Geranium

So are you rocking the all white suit this summer?

Work Place Style

I'm back from a much needed beach vacay and I have to start today by giving a shout out to all the fabulous ladies who guest blogged for me last week.  A big thank you to all you talented women for your help and amazing posts!

A La Mode Maven

Because Shanna Said So

Blonde Ambitions

Styled By Laura

Long Distance Loving

Now on to today's topic....

This week I'm focusing on work place style as this is fresh on my mind since I just recently got a new job!  I'm so excited to get back out in the work place, and as usual, I've already started planning my wardrobe.  Lucky for me, I'm in a field where business casual is acceptable, and these days is usually the norm, so I'll be bringing you all some looks that can go from day to night and therefore are completely versatile.  Just how I like them!

 Layer a cardigan over a simply dress to go from work to a night out on the town.

 Statement pieces from Stella and Dot tie in the colors.

Adina Necklace- $59

Stacking bracelets and a bauble ring complete the outfit.

Luxor Link Bracelet- $89 // Jules Ring- $49 // Serpent Bangle- $49

Shop this look!

Similar dress from Michael Kors

$72

J. Crew

Jackie Cardigan

$62

Jessica Simpson Pumps

$59

So what's your work place style?

My Friday's Fancies

Hello there--and happy Friday! My name is {av} and I blog over at {long distance loving}. I'm standing in for Shannon today to share a few of my Friday's Fancies. Each week, I host the #FridaysFancies link-up and share a theme to get everyone's creative juices flowing. The best part? Since it's a dream outfit, you aren't constrained by pricetags! For a girl like me who is on a budget, it's a great way to curb my shopping habits ;) This week, we're sharing what we'd wear as a wedding guest, so this is one outfit I'd love to sport at summer or fall nuptials...

The bold purple and beautiful lines of this Diane von Furstenberg Della Dress make it an easy choice for any summer wedding. It also serves as a great blank canvas for all kinds of accessories :)

Against the simple neckline of the dress, this necklace shines. This Kate Spade Paisley Park Bib Statement Necklace has the same rich purple tone as the dress, but the 'monotone' look is all the rage, so it works!

Whiting & Davis nails it with this Crystal Mesh Clutch: it works with nearly every wedding ensemble you'd need to wear this summer. 

It's only appropriate that one of the best wedding dress designers created something in this get-up. These Vera Wang Selima Pumps have the ideal peep-toes, great for showing off a fun polish color.

I don't typically go for the matchy-matchy jewelry look, but nothing worked better with the bib necklace than this Kate Spade Paisley Park Ring. They're a match made in heaven!

---

Find loads more inspiration for your summer weddings by clicking here!

Want to link up for Friday's Fancies in the weeks to come? Click here to join the mailing list and get the themes in your inbox every Monday! I'd love to have you! Many thanks to Shannon for having me here on Wine Taste Girl today--I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! xoxo {av} | {long distance loving}

Styled by Laura

Hi everyone! 

It's Laura here from Styled by Laura. I'm so excited to be filling in for Shannon while she enjoys some time at the beach! 

Today I've pulled together two looks inspired by my favorite summer blush tones! To mix things up a bit, I've added in pops of snake print for a fresh, modern twist!

T by Alexander Wang Top |  H&M Shorts |  Next Sunglasses | DVF Wedges | YSL Clutch | Kurt Geiger Heels | Miss Selfridge Dress 

Thanks again to Shannon for having me! Have a great day :)

Laura 

x

Blonde Ambitions

Hi everyone! I'm Andrea from Blonde Ambitions & am beyond excited to be posting for Shannon today while she is relaxing on vacation! Since we are in full summer mode here in Texas I thought I would give you a little "beachy" day!



Beach homesHere are some of my favorite coast/beach rooms! Aren't they gorgeous?

{photos via Coastal Living}

Beach outfitI put together a little pool/beach outfit for you. I just love floppy hats and really love these DV sandals. I actually have this exact pair in gold & wear them all of the time!

Beach CocktailYou definitely can't have a fabulous day at the beach without a great cocktail!
Royal Orchidrecipe from Coastal Living Magazinemakes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:3/4 oz (1 1/2 tablespoons) St. Germain liqueur1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) gin1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) gold rum1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice1 oz (2 tablespoons) guava nectar or papaya juiceGarnish: lime wedges
Combine first five ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover, and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedges. 
Beach appetizerFinally, here is a little recipe that I received from my Mom. She makes the BEST cerviche and now I can't seem to stop wanting it with the warm weather. Just warning you, it is addictive and you might eat the whole batch!Cerviche

Ingredients:1 lb cooked shrimp, cut in 1/4 or 1/2crab meat (I used about 1 1/2 cups)2 tomatos, chopped1 avocado, chopped1/2 jalapeno, diced1/2 cucumber, diced1/2 red onion, diced1/4 cup cilantro, chopped1 cup fresh lime juice2 Tablespoons olive oil1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon cumin1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish
Steps:

• Place shrimp in glass bowl and cover with lime juice. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to allow to marinate.
• Add remaining ingredients, gently mix and place back in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill. 
• Serve in cocktail glasses and garnish with lime slices.

You can't beat how easy this recipe is and I definitely think it is the best cerviche I have had (but maybe I am a little biased because it is from my Momma!)

Now do I have you wanting to be my beach pal?
I hope you will hop over to Blonde Ambitions and see what my obsessions are today! Thanks for having me Shannon!