Festival Finds

Do you all like going to your local festivals where you can shop unusual, or non brick and mortar stores that carry amazing items you might not normally find?  Well I do, and a town a few miles south of Nashville,  Franklin, TN has some of the best shopping and outdoor festivals where you can score all sorts of treasures.  Yesterday, the family and I partook in some fun shopping and festival foods that were totally entertaining, minus the weather that felt like it was 100 degrees in April!  Crazy hot!  Anyway, I'm happy to share with you all today a few of my favorite booths from yesterday and I think you all will definitely want to check out a few of them on line and see what great new finds you come across!

This is actually one of the stores on Main Street in Franklin that I consistently gush over.   The plush pillows and linen covered frames with block stenciled quotes adoring them, fill this elegant store and beckon me to enter each time I'm in Franklin.  You have to check them out!

LuLu's

This husband wife duo hail from Destin, FL (jealous!) and they made their way up to Franklin to bring all the locals around here their very shabby chic, vintage jewelry line for us to drool over.  I did, by the way!  I am in LOVE with so many pieces and just couldn't make up my mind on which one's I had to have.  You will find it hard to decide as well when you see their line.

Adorn by Samouce

So I have been on the hunt for a cute jewelry organizer, remember my Pinterest post on organizing my totally out of control clutter fest I call a jewelry drawer?  Well I found it at this booth!  This precious girl starting up her business had some amazing pillows and home decor I will bring you when her web site is up and running.  More to come on that as well as my jewelry organization project!

This was one of my favorite booths at our Junior League Tis the Season event this past fall and I was thrilled to see these ultra fashionable girls again.  These fashionistas previously worked at one of the premier clothing boutiques in Nashville, The Cotton Mill, and they now hand pick clothing and accessories to sell to their fashion forward clients.  Their store is a non brick and mortar, however they do host trunk shows as well as an online store. Trust me, you will love the pieces as well as the prices!

Fringe and Lace

Still looking for a hat or fascinator for that Derby party or horse race coming up?  Check out this super cute online store and your sure to make a statement....in a good way!

Whimsies By Jules

So what do you think of my finds?  Do you enjoy going to these types of festivals in your town?

Dressing Like Kate Middleton

I have admired Kate Middleton's style for a few years now and she just keeps getting more and more stylish as she gets older.  Having the top stylists in the UK can't hurt either!  When I heard one of her favorite labels, LK Bennett was setting up shop in the US, and practically in my backyard (Atlanta) I was beyond thrilled.  The first chance I had I headed down to Atlanta to get my hot little hands on a piece from this collection.  I have to say, my off white, frilly top was a fabulous purchase and I feel a little like royalty every time I wear it.....well, that may be an exaggeration, but it does fit really well and the fabric is amazing. What I like about this line is it is very versatile as well as affordable.   I was recently invited to attend a special promotional event, which I wasn't able to attend, but thanks to their ultra-fabulous store manager, Helene, we're able to bring all the deals straight to my readers today!   So check out the Atlanta store this weekend for the sales listed below, all items listed here are 20% off, or buy from their web site www.lkbennett.com. This fashion label is a line fit for a Queen...literally.

Recently wearing an LK Bennett jacket and dress

She wears these nude, LK Bennet pumps a lot and they are fabulous!

 The Nicole Bag

 The Olive Shoe

 Ready to Wear

 The Andie Shoe

The Gowan Bag

Do you admire Kate's style?  Have you ever purchased from LK Bennett?

A Little Pop of Color

The forecast for the weekend in Nashville is wet and dreary, so to combat the grayish outlook, I'm looking for color.  I've have been wanting an excuse to wear these amazing cobalt blue shoes I've been hoarding in my closet and I think today's the perfect day to break them out.  It's not raining yet, and you can bet these puppies will be coming off at the first threat of bad weather!

I paired them with this dress from Taylor, a Banana Republic Trench, and my Tory Burch clutch.  It's easy to pull of this look.  Keep the outfit neutral, grab you a pair of fabulous pumps (think color!) and let them be the focus of the outfit.

Knockout roses from my back yard are the inspiration for these shoes....

These pumps from Heels.com  are the perfect focal point of any ensemble. 

Do you have that perfect pair of shoes you dress your outfit around?

Hats Off to Horse Racing

April and May are two of my favorite months and the horse races mark the beginning of a season filled with outdoor events and parties I look forward to all year.  We will all be brushing off those winter blues, and saying hello to all the lushness of spring and the social events that seem to keep everyone's calenders packed until next January.   I love the storied past, steeped in tradition that surrounds so many of these legendary races.  The Derby, Churchill Downs, the Preakness are all ones my family and I will huddle around the television to catch of glimpse of what could be the next Seabiscuit or Secretariat.  I have never been to one of the Triple Crown races, however a few of the races I've been to in the past include Keeneland in Lexington, Ky and Steeplechase in Nashville, TN and they were amazingly fun!  I always enjoy the races, but to be honest, it's all about the fashions....am I right, ladies?  This year my friends and I will be heading off to the races, Steeplechase that is, and I look forward to bringing you all the fabulous looks and show stopping hats that adore those lucky few who are able to attend.  Until then, check out a few of our past race ensembles and a few gush worthy hats any fashion forward girl would be happy to flaunt around the tracks.

Steeplechase 2012

Rainy but fun!

(picture courtesy of Anna Moran)

Here are all the peeps! (I'm in the pink dress) We had to ditch the wedges and bust out the Hunter's since we were trekking around in the mud all day. 

(picture courtesy of Anna Moran)

Here's a few ideas if you are heading to the races....

As for the hats....the bigger the better!

Large Sinamay Hat

$54

White House Black Market Striped Flower Hat

$68

And thanks to Kate Middleton, I bet we see a few of these....

Facinator

Wear a cute sundress...

DejaVu

$90

And finish it off with some wedges...hopefully no Wellies this year!

Steve Madden Women's Manngo Espadrille,Natural,11 M US

Have you all ever been or plan on going to a horse race? 

Bunco, A Good Excuse For A Girls Night Out!

My mother's generation used to, and still does, get together to play a game we all know as bridge.  Well move over ladies, a new generation is heating up the gaming night and the game is known as Bunco.  Now I'm not sure about other parts of the country, but here in the South, Bunco is big.  Groups of twelve converge on a house to gossip, roll dice, eat, and sometimes a little wine may be involved.  I so look forward to this one night a month that some of my good girl friends and I can relax, talk as loud as we want...and we do get loud... and just catch up among friends.  Our group has been going strong for ten plus years and we see no signs of stopping anytime soon.  A few have come and gone, but the majority of us are still together.  Who knows, we may still be playing and our daughters will be talking about their mother's generation and that "boring" old game we play called Bunco.

Here are the ins and outs of Bunco... at least this is how we do it!

Food and Beverages: The host provides the food and drink.  I usually try to do a casserole and some sides to feed large groups to make it easy.  I always have wine, it just makes things more fun!  Last night, I also made those St. Germain Champagne Cucumber Cocktails I showed you all last week.  I had to leave out the mint since I didn't have any, but wow they were still delicious!

The Friends:  Again, you need twelve to play and a few extras as subs since people can't always make it.

The Game:  Dice!  Split into three tables with four at each table.  You roll three dice for ones, then twos and so on until you get to six.  If you roll all three of the same number and the number you are rolling for, that is a big Bunco.  If you roll all three of the same number and it is not the number you are rolling for, it is little Bunco.  You keep rolling and each time you roll the number you are rolling for, you add it together until you reach 21 and then the round is over.  It sounds confusing but it's so simple!

The Prizes:  One of the best parts of the night is seeing who rolled the biggest number of Big Buncos, Little Buncos, most wins and most losses.  Yes, the biggest loser gets a prize!  We do the prize system, some girls do money, but I find winning fun and unique items are the most fun.

So if you don't have a Bunco group, grab twelve of your closest girlfriends and set it up.  You'll be so glad you did!

e.Allen equals Amazing!

While visiting my little sister in Murfressboro, TN yesterday, I discovered what could be one of my new favorite stores.  Actually, who am I kidding, it IS my new favorite "go to" boutique when it comes to all things stylish.  That store is e.Allen.  The owner, Elizabeth Allen is only in her 20's but this young fashionista really knows style and what her customers want.  With brands like Leona, one of my personal favorite local designers, Rebecca Taylor, Ella Moss, French Connection, Michael Stars and a host of denim designers, e.Allen is totally worth the drive if you live in or around the Nashville area.  If you're not local, don't fret, you can shop their collections on line and I promise, you'll be spot on trend this season!

The inside of e.Allen.  I literally wanted it all!

I love how they paired this top with a knit, charcoal maxi skirt..... I couldn't resist adding this fabulous top to my collection.  Perfection.

Here's a few other items, you too, will want to add to your wardrobe this season....

You know I love the high-low look and this top's no exception.  At just $64 you can have a little piece of this hot hot trend yourself!

Lace color block shorts are sassy yet sophisticated and should be a staple in your wardrobe for spring and summer.  

$98

These yummy, Paddywax soy candles are so intoxicating, you'll want one in every room of your house.  They also make great gifts!

$24

What's your favorite, local or on line boutique?

Sips and Styles Day 6- My Turn!

I'm so excited to be posting today for our sixth and final day of the Spring Sips and Styles series.  I just have to give a quick shout out to all the fabulous bloggers who participated in this inaugural series.  I got so many great fashion tips and drink recipes over the past two weeks and I hope you all enjoyed reading them and discovering the new blogs as well!  My day is going to be all about one of my favorite Spring fashion trends, pastels and one of my favorite drinks of all time, the champagne cocktail.

 I love the look of a dressy short for a night out...they are comfortable and stylish.  Pair some in the fabulous mint color this season with the "on trend" floral top and nude heels.  Fabulous!

 A head turning statement necklace in mint is an easy way to incorporate pastels into your outfit.


Here are some pieces similar to the ones I'm wearing....

Pastels and Champagne! by winetastegirl

Miss Selfridge t shirt
$50 - missselfridge.com

TIBI shorts
£54 - theoutnet.com

Jessica Simpson pumps
$90 - heels.com

Rare London handbag
£35 - rarelondon.com

Jones New York bracelet
$50 - macys.com

Earrings
$57 - susanb.com

Set of 2 Toasting Flutes in Champagne Flutes | Crate&Barrel
$20 - crateandbarrel.com

While wearing your fashionable pastels this season, why not complement them with a mouth watering, floral champagne cocktail in hand?  I discovered St. Germain liquor while dining out about a year ago, and now I can't resist when I see it on a menu.   If you haven't tried St. Germain, it's a floral liquor that is amazingly delicious and perfect for springtime sipping.  So I came across this yummy concoction and I just had to share it with you all. 

  

                                                                                                                Source: zested.wordpress.com 

Minty St. Germain and Champagne Cucumber Cocktail

1/2 part Champagne

Top with a splash of St. Germain

Garnish with Mint leaves and Cucumber
Delicious!

There's still time to enter the Tory Burch flip flip giveaway.  The winners will be drawn tomorrow.
Thank you all so much for engaging in and reading this Spring Sips and Styles series.  Stay tuned, we may just have a Summer one! 

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The Celebrity Must Have Beauty Products

Last week I gave you all a little preview of my "must have" beauty products and today I want to share some of them with you.  With a little help from one of my favorite Nashville beauty boutiques, Private Edition, I went on a hunt for the products the professionals choose to make Nashville stars look gorgeous.  Believe it or not,  there are a lot of celebrities these days who live in or visit Nashville, and Private Edition is THE place to find the must have beauty products and secrets to looking fabulous.  It was hard to narrow it down to just ten products, but here's a run down of some of the items you'll want to purchase to give you that gush worthy glow. If you're not here in Nashville, don't worry, Private Edition ships internationally.  I've also found these products on line so you have no excuse not to look like a million dollars this weekend....on a beer budget of course!

Some of these are oldies but goodies, but several were new to me...

The Beauty Blender Sponge

 $21 

I found this in Private Edition and then I saw Giuliana Rancic's makeup artist using it on this season's Giuliana & Bill.  This is a celebrity makeup artist's secret to giving them that airbrushed look.

By Terry- Gold Digger Lip Gloss

$44
I personally have this amazing lip gloss and love it!  Private Edition said this is one of their best sellers and is the "it" lip color for this season.  I was lucky to get one since they can't seem to keep it on their shelves.  Lucky for you, you can also buy it here!

By Terry- Baume de Rose SPF 15

$59
This product moisturizes, protects skin from the sun, and gives a rosy glow all in one little jar!

Morocooan Oil
$11
This is SO worth the eleven dollars.  I have this miracle in a bottle and it gives you an unbelievable shine to your hair and smooths any split ends or damage you may have in between hair appointments.

Omorovicza Gold Shimmer Oil
$80
This is not inexpensive, but if you want that fabulous dewy skin look, you have to try this out.  It gives you a subtle sheen that will give you a youthful glow and illuminate your skin.


Laura Mercier- Tinted Moisturizer

$42
Here's another one of those moisturizers that doubles as a foundation, sunscreen, and glow enhancer that you can, and should, wear daily.

Laura Mercier- Cream de Pistache hand creme

$16
All I can say is Yum!  This hand creme feels and smells so good I literally wanted to eat it.  I wouldn't....but I did think about it for a minute.

Tan Towel
$10

I am all about the fake tan these days and this little "tan in a box" option is perfect for those weekend getaways, or an unexpected night out when you just need a little pop of color...on your person!

YSL- Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Fetish Pink
$34
Don't let the name scare you, this color is feminine and sweet and will go with any look this season.

Butter Nail Polish- Jaffa
 We all know about Butter nail polish, but you want a hot color this season, then get this one.  Jaffa is that hot, hot, hot tangerine color that you see everywhere right now.  You want to try out tangerine, but can't decide on the right accessory or clothing item, why not try it on your nails?

So what's your favorite "look like a celebrity" product?