How To Create a Sock Bun

 I must have hair on my mind since yesterday's post was a flat iron review and today is all about the sock bun.  I know you all have seen these all over the place, and when I was out Saturday night with my friend Heather she had her hair in one of these ultra stylish up do's.  Now I'm going to call Heather out on how she is notoriously late everywhere she goes, she'll admit this as well, so when she and her husband were the first ones there, everyone was completely shocked.  I asked her what was up with her beating everyone there, and she let me in on her secret...the sock bun.  She said it literally takes 40 minutes off of her getting ready routine.  Wow!  I totally need to learn how to do this since I am always pressed for time, and I love to have fun new ways to style my hair.  So take a peak at a few of the pictures I found of this trending hair style and tell me if you don't agree, this is one fabulous look!

                                                                                             Source: threepinkdots.com via Kelli on Pinterest

                                                                                Source: thethreadaffect.com via Megan on Pinterest

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How do you create this look yourself?  Here's a brief, "how to" video to get you started. 

Sock Bun Tutorial

Now I know this is so weird to post a picture of a guy on my blog, but you have to go vote for him in the MACS/AMAX modeling competition. 

 His name is Lane and he's a friend of my sister.  Go here to vote for him....http://www.faceoffall.com/model_applicants/lane-gonzalez He needs your vote!!!  Isn't he cute????

Ok....back on to the rockin' hair style today....

 What Do You Think of the Sock Bun Look?

Hana Elite Flat Iron Review

Lately, I have be really running crazy and unfortunately, my hair is paying the price.  I have had no time to get to the hairdresser, let alone style my hair in the mornings, so when I was approached to review a flat iron from Misikko.com I jumped at the chance.  I am in serious need of some new styling options and this flat iron fit my need beautifully.  So when I opened up the package, I was blow away with all the freebies, like ELF makeup as well as the fabulous packaging.  Take a look...

ONE IRON

HANA Elite 1" Flat Iron

I'm not sure if when you buy the iron you will get all these goodies, but it was very nice of them to send these items my way! 

TWO LOOKS

Some days I don't have time to blow dry so I let my hair go naturally wavy.  A little touch up by wrapping my hair around this flat iron gave just the lift to my natural waves that I was looking for.  If you don't have waves, this iron is just the tool to help you achieve the most sought after beachy wave look.

When I straightened my hair, I was really impressed with how smooth my hair was, even after just one swipe of the flat iron.  My old iron, I had to run over the same strands of hair two or three times to get this level of control.

Now I will say that buying a $240 flat iron is not exactly shopping on a beer budget, but if you use it everyday, it's well worth the splurge. Buy the Hana Elite here. I never had much luck with flat irons, I'm more of a curling iron kind of girl, but this one from Hana Salon I really liked. If you like the look but don't want to spend over $200, then check out a few of the less expensive irons like the Corioliss Flat Iron here. So if you have the money, buy this iron, if not stick to your old one.  That way, you won't know what you're missing...but you will be missing out!

What do You Think of the Hana Elite Flat Iron?

It's Party Time!

My Friday's Fancies is celebrating it's 100th post today and I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebration!  Today, we are showcasing our favorite party attire and I've put together an inspiration board, sure to make any girl the hit of the party.

If you want to join in on the My Friday's Fancies fun, check out Long Distance Loving and link up.

What Do You Think of My Party Attire?

Gushing Over Velvet Loafers

It's not often I spot a trend and immediately think I have to have something similar in my wardrobe, but I have to say, when I first spotted the velvet loafer trend, something about it caught my eye.  I'm not sure if its the laid back, loungy vibe this trend reflects, or if it's just that they look so darn comfortable, but I like them.  This trend is especially fun because its just as spot on for men as it is for women.  Now don't get me wrong, my hubby and I won't be sporting matching shoes anytime soon, but I do find this is a great look for women as it is for men who want to channel the Scott Disick or Hugh Hefner vibe.  So check out a few of my gush worthy loafers I will be stalking this season.

Here are the ultimate velvet loafers from Stubbs and Wooten.  At $400  these are way out of my price range, however, they are a good way to get an idea of how to shop for this style on a beer budget.  

This $79 suede pair from Piperlime.com is more like it!

 

How about this budget pair from Aerosole for just $68? 

They look very similar to this $400 dollar pair from Stubbs and Wooten.   

I think this BCBG pair is so fun and at just $62 they won't break the bank.  

 Another gush worthy pair from Heels.com for $75.  

You will see this fabulous footwear all over the stores this season, so snatch you up a pair next time you're out shopping and you'll be comfy and on trend this season.  

What do you think of the velvet loafer trend?

Classy yet Sassy Halloween Ensemble

Halloween is just a few days away and to get in the mood, My Friday's Fancies is all about Halloween inspirations.  I always gravitate towards purples and oranges instead of the standard black and orange when it comes to this holiday, so today I'm bringing you an inspiration board filled with the colors of the season.

Happy Halloween! by winetastegirl

If you want to join in on the My Friday's Fancies fun, check out Long Distance Loving and link up.

What are your favorite colors for Halloween?

Lauren Conrad's "Chic of the Week"

One of the first blogs I started reading when I first entered into this amazing world of blogging, was Lauren Conrad's.  So it was such an honor when I received word last Friday that I was chosen as her Chic of the Week!  LC has an amazing fashion sense and when they featured my Wearing White After Labor Day look, I was beyond excited.  Not only was I on vacation, but then I got an e mail from a sweet girl congratulating me on this honor.  Friday was a good day!  So today, I'm thrilled to again feature my outfit chosen by Lauren and her team for the autumn look, and share with you all the link to the article posted on Lauren Conrad's blog last Friday.  Click here to read more....

For all you Nashvillians out there, I also want to mention a wonderful opportunity to get some amazing discounts at some of my favorite stores in Nashville.  Support the Junior League by purchasing their Club 22 Shopping Card. Here's how it works: you purchase the card for $50, then use the card at participating stores during two shopping periods Nov. 1-12, 2012 and April 18-29, 2013 to get 20% off your purchases!  All proceeds from the sale go directly to the Junior League and supports their mission to improve children's health and train women to be the best volunteers in our community!
 

Do your holiday shopping early and put yourself on the list! With 20% off at over 140 locations, you can afford to.  For a full listing of stores, click here.

Get 20% off of items like makeup from Woo’s Skincare or Private Edition, clothing from Banana Republic, Blush, The Cotton Mill, J. Crew, Emaline, Vineyard Vines, furniture from Karmal-Skillington, a new purse from Kate Spade, and SO much more.  That is what I call shopping with Wine Taste on a Beer Budget!

You may purchase the Shopping Card online at www.club22nashville.com or from the following retailers: Auld Alliance Gallery at Highway 100, Kiehl’s at Green Hills Mall, Levy’s Clothier for Men and Women, The Beveled Edge at Paddock Place, Belk-Cool Springs, Woo Skin Care and Cosmetics and The Container Store.  Hope you all get out there and purchase on of these fabulous cards.

 Thanks again to the entire Lauren Conrad Team for Chic of the Week!

Places To Go In Key West

This past weekend we took a long weekend off and headed down to Key West with some of our dearest friends for some sun and relaxation.  We took this trip earlier in the year and it was so much fun, we just had to go back.  If you've never been to Key West you must plan a trip there at some point in the near future and see what I'm about to share with you in person.  It really is an amazingly fun trip.

Here's a picture I took the morning we were leaving of the Casa Marina resort.  This place not only has a fabulous beach, something that is not so easy to find in Key West, but they also have two beautiful pools with full service bars and wait staff.  We've stayed here twice and we will definitely be back. 

A picture of one of two pools.

Dress- Deja Vu, Bag- Hobo, Wedges-similar here
 This post would not be complete without an outfit picture of a dress from my favorite Key West boutique, Deja Vu.  Now, if you've been a reader of mine for anytime at all, you have probably seen me feature several pieces from this trendy, yet affordable Duvall Street boutique.  The thing I love most is that they have a complete on line store where you can have your favorite pieces shipped right to your door.  Shop Deja Vu here.

Our absolute favorite breakfast place has to be My Blue Heaven.  This eclectic Key West staple serves up some of the best lobster omelets and bloody Mary's around.  If you go there, be warned, they have live roosters running around outside while you eat.  They definitely add to the island vibe and quirkiness!

Fabulous restaurants are everywhere on this island, but one of our must stops is Louie's Backyard.  The outside deck is prime viewing area to see the notorious Key West sunsets while dining on mouth watering island fare.  The wait staff is a little rude, but after cocktails and fabulous food, we were willing to overlook it. 

Of course I always find time to shop while on vacation and this time I found this cute little store on Duvall called Abstracta.  I added a few of these amazing lanterns to my purchase that will look fabulous while we're outdoor entertaining. 

Mallory Square is not to be missed while in Key West if you want to view the picture perfect sunsets and the true island characters.  You will see all sorts of crazy things at the sunset celebration happening every night one hour before sunset.  

Shopping in Mallory Square.

If you're not able to visit in person, then bring a little Key West to your house with this Casa Marina special, the Blueberry/ Tarragon Tonic cocktail.  We sipped several of these at the beach and pool and they are delish.  Take this recipe, make them for yourself, and sit back and imagine ocean breezes and sunshine on your face.   Hope you enjoy!

Blueberry/Tarragon/Tonic Cocktail

2 oz Hendrick's Gin 

10 Blueberries

 10 Tarragon 

¾ oz Lemon Juice

½ oz Simple Syrup

Splash Tonic Water

1. Muddle blueberries and tarragon. Add liquids.

2. Add ice, shake and double strain. Serve over ice with blueberry and tarragon sprig garnish.

Which of These Would be Your Key West Must Stop?

Falling Over Fall

 My Friday's Fancies today is all about Fall and all the amazing colors that come with one of my favorite seasons.  I adore the reds, yellows and oranges that seem to pop off the pages of the magazines and cover the fall collections.  The coats, pants and bags can give you a little bit of fall color and transition your wardrobe into the cooler months ahead.  Check out my idea of the perfect fall pieces I'm currently gushing over.

Falling Over Fall

If you want to join in on the My Friday's Fancies fun, check out Long Distance Loving and link up.

What Pieces Are You Crushing on This Fall?

What to Wear on a Fall Beach Vacation

Mid October brings falling leaves, pumpkin spiced lattes and all things Halloween, and for many Americans it often also brings the much anticipated Fall break.  Around here, fall break usually involves a beach, as its that last chance to soak up a few rays before the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the ever so daunting cold weather that winter will bring.  Packing for such beach vacation can be a challenge, however.  Beach supplies usually need replenishing after a busy summer,  and I often struggle with beach attire in the off season.  Can I wear summery linens?  What about white jeans?  All questions I will address today in my tried and true outfit choices for a fall break beach trip.  

First Outfit...  The Romper

Urban Outfitters

Second Outfit... The Basic Sundress

Shop Deja Vu

Third Outfit....  Colored Jeans

Zalando

I love to layer so make sure to bring a few cardigans, a lightweight sweater, and a pashmina to wrap up in for cool ocean breezes and chilly plane rides you're sure to encounter. I do shy away from white jeans and linen myself,  although at the beach pretty much anything goes.  Just make sure you're able to mix and match your outfits to go from warmer days to cooler nights effortlessly and flawlessly.  So here's to warmer weather, margarita's and palm trees.....even if we're all just California dreaming!

What's Your Favorite Look for Fall Break?

My Go To, Errand Running Outfits

As most of you already know, I'm a busy mom of three with a new job and dressing in a hurry has become my m.o. as of late.  Running out the door in the mornings, very often before I get a chance to shower have become the norm.  Therefore, I have to keep a few go to, errand running outfits that look put together, even if they are literally thrown on in two seconds.  So today I'm going to bring you all four options of stylish, yet simple, clothing that you too will look like you spent all morning putting together....even if you just crawled out of bed!

Number One...

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and the cute jeans look.  I love the look of your favorite pair of jeans, boots, a soft leather coat and a fabulous scarf.  My Jessica Alba post the other day had a lot of scarf options but you must have at least one, go to, throw on in a second, scarf to complete the basic outfit this season.

Shop This Look!

Steve Madden jacket / 7 For All Mankind zipper jeans / Zara chunky heel booties / Banana Republic leopard print scarve

Number Two....

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Hillary Duff sporting the skinny jeans, comfy tee and boots look.  This season, pretty much any boot will do.  Just find your favorite cowboys, riding or ankle boots and you have a look that can be comfy and stylish.

Shop This Look!

American Vintage tee / Knit cardigan / Top Shop Skinny jeans / Mod Cloth Boots / Dogeared Jewels handcrafted jewelry

Number Three...

Next....the black skinny pants as worn by Lauren Conrad.  You can't go wrong, when in a pinch for time, throwing on a pair of skinny black pants, ballet flats and an oversized favorite sweater.

Shop This Look...
 

Long sweater / GAP skinny pants / Steve Madden ballet shoes / Pendleton , $76

Number Four...

A favorite of all busy moms and college co-eds alike, a comfy workout outfit.  Ashely Green looks fabulous in this basic workout gear.  Whether you are really heading to the gym, or just want to look like you are, throw these easy pieces on and you'll look put together in an instant.  

Shop This Look!

Michael Stars v neck t shirt / So Low high waisted pants / adidas / Hair accessory / Wine Taste Girl: Columbia Yoga Wear

I hope one of these outfits will inspire your next go to outfit and you too will be ready to head out the door without having to think about what to wear!

Which of these outfits do you like best?