7.31.2012

InstaStyle


So pumped about my new shirtdress by Glam from Charlotte's-comfortable and it's a steal!!!  No brainer. Not to mention these sweet Dani Black wedge sandals from Kristen's in Cary. (Yes, they are amazing.) 

7.30.2012

Under Goes Outter

Bra via Refinery 29 via Anthropologie
I love this little bra number from Anthropologie; it would be adorable under a sheer blouse or peeking out of something low-cut. Adds some fun color and pattern (and can make a slightly aggressive neckline a bit less exposing!). It's a great cost-effective option ($38!!!!) in the vein of these gorgeous Mara Hoffman bustiers.

Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman


Styling Stuff




I absolutely adore Monkee's of Chapel Hill's "Look of the Day" feature! It's such a great way to shop: styling your outfits even in the store is a great way to make sure you are really getting the biggest bang for your buck-how many times do you buy a top and then realize you have nothing to wear it with? It's also a great reason to befriend your favorite sales associate at your most frequented stores, if you trust their taste and styling, it's a great way to streamline your shopping. I'm in love with those sandals BTW.

Kate Spade Catlin Top: $198 (50% off)
W&M clear Swarovski teardrop earrings: $59
Britt Ryan red shorts: $128 (50% off)
Karlie scarf: $60
Rowen Rio sandals: $155 (50% off)
Kate Spade leopard iPhone case: $40
Wood & Gold bracelet: $45 (50% off)

7.27.2012

Friday Faves


ALC Theodore Jumpsuit




Loeffler Randall Fleur Wedge...I can hardly breathe


Dress & booties from II Brunettes, both under $200 a piece 





Annie Griffin Fall '12


Here's a little peek at Fall from Tennessee native Annie Griffin. Annie has really figured out how to tackle wardrobe staples. Meaning, she's identified some pieces that can really be integrated into your closet for maximized wear. Her blouses and tunics (the tunics are amazing) are easy to wear and ultra-versatile. I love the Sophia dress (below) because of its shape and "stylability" (new word). It would be great with boots, booties, pumps or flats, belted, not belted, with a scarf or chunky necklace, or just on it's own. I think that's the beauty of Annie Griffin, almost every piece can be styled for multiple occasions, casual, formal, work, and look great in all of those contexts. Worthwhile wardrobe investments. Look for some of these styles coming in to Charlotte's soon!













7.25.2012

Living Luxe


I took a brief sojourn to Furbish last weekend, because I like to torture myself obviously. These are some of my faves, although this is really just scratching the surface. The way they put everything together is just inspiring. The Furbish girls just have a way of making ordinary extraordinary. It makes you want to live in a warehouse so you could actually have room for everything they have. The fabric swatch wall alone makes you feel like you can't live without each print or pattern. Oh and OH EM GEE, when you go to their website, please watch the exploding glitter piggy. I spent about 30 minutes watching it giggling. But, I am of a simple mind....

BTW-you can follow on Instagram too! @southernarron






7.20.2012

Friday Faves


Surfer chic: what surfer girl wouldn't want a stylish wetsuit? This polka dot version from Cynthia Rowley (available on pre-order now at Moda Operandi) is perfect for hanging ten and looking good. Don't make fun of my surfer references. I've extensively researched this topic. Read: I've seen lots of surfing movies.  


Lobster claw. I have a "vintage" Tibi dress with a zebra galloping across the front. A great shape really similar to this one, and ya know what? It makes me smile. I feel like I have a buddy getting me through the day. Me and my zebra. Kickin' tail. The lobster is Tibi Resort (also on pre-order now), and should totally be a part of your long-range shopping plan.  

Image via Charleston Artist Collective
Ann Keane's "Faith and Desire" as shown in a pretty sick Isle of Palms home from Charleston Magazine's August issue. Check out that link to take a tour, it will probably mostly just make you sad though. 


I LURVE this Shoshanna shirtdress from Fleur. The pleating detail is adorable, and it is a great transition piece. They've also paired it with a necklace from Balboa, one of my favorite jewelry lines by Jane Pope Cooper

Speaking of which, I absolutely adore the Trillion Branch ring from JPC (Jane Pope Collection-Balboa's sister line). I love the earthiness of the setting and the honey tones, combined with the clean angles of the citrine. All of the JPC line is sick-not to mention she does custom work as well...trouble....








7.18.2012

Red + Leopard: The Remix


Amazing look from Fleur. Love the tone on tone red with a little blue leopard accent. The Arianna tunic from Calypso is an awesome transitional piece, looks great with jeans but can totally double as a beach/pool top or cover up. Paired here with Nico skinny jeans from Hudson and amazing leopard scarf from Malene Birger. 

Just The Tip

The Vince Camuto Prunella Pump
It's a bit different then say, a steel-toed boot, but shoes for Fall are showing off some extra toe gear. Metallics and two-tone tips are popping up everywhere from pumps to boots. I especially love the Vince Camutos, the blush suede with almost rose-gold accenting is to die for. Consider this an extension of color blocking. Color blocking for the feet. It's a great way to add come detail to your footwear. 
Elizabeth and James Sash Snake D'Orsay Pump
Jeffrey Campbell Flava Suede Pumps

Rebecca Taylor Lola Leopard Print flat

DV by Dolce Vita Lunna Flat

These two are a great high/low example with the DV by Dolce Vitas coming in well below $100 and the Sigersons being, well, Sigersons and coming in just under $400. Both great looking options.  
Sigerson Morrison Walda Cap Toe Ballet Flat

Loeffler Randall Margeaux Captoe Sliver Wedge Boot
(AKA: one of the most comfortable, well-worth-it boots ever)

7.16.2012

Nautical Knits



The official kickoff to beach season is only a few short weeks away and it's time to make preparations for such a serious event. For my part, I am committing myself to as much Pure Barre as they will allow me to do, a ban on carbs, and getting a new bathing suit. On the short list is one of my absolute all-time favorites: Missoni Mare. I'm a fan of Missoni in general, but there is something so luxurious about their swimsuits that is just on another level. I don't know if it's the price tag or the warning label telling you to do nothing but essentially sit and look pretty whilst wearing your Missoni swimsuit-two things that should scare me off-but I continue to be obsessed.


This one is my personal frontrunner
Find these gorgeous suits and the rest of the Missoni Mare collection at net-a-porter.com.

Earn Your Stripes


I want the heck out of this sweater. Featherweight cashmere from J Crew. Perfectly casual.

*Side note: I invented that hairstyle.

7.12.2012

A Moment In Red

Rory Beca Kelly Peek-A-Boo dress.
Love the way this whole look is styled-AND is actually affordable.
I'm seeing red today for some reason. (Not really, I feel pretty chipper today, thank you.) I think red is one of those colors, like yellow or orange, that you really have to find the right shade for you. Some folks do better with a blue-based red, some with a more orangey-red. Try on both tones, you should notice that one family tends to look better against your skin. Unless, of course, you're blessed with Heidi Klum genes, and everything works regardless of shape or color. (If so, go away.) I love the bright red, like the Rory Beca dress above, on an olive-skinned brunette, it's so rich and vibrant. You have to experiment and find the right tone, don't give up on red-or any color you love, you can find what works with a little trial and error. 

Dolce Vita (on SUPER sale)

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Crescent collar

DVF Gabi Shift, classic, clean silhouette 


Love this sweet floral number by Sonia Rykiel

Issa's wrap dress, their signature style.





7.11.2012

Decor Challenge: Finding The Right Rug

I am loving this ikat rug featured on One Kings Lane. I've been keeping my eye out for something like this, but in my head it's more like an Oriental rug but in navys and creams. Does that exist?? OK, so yes, see below, but that's got to be a once in a lifetime find right? (Besides probably costing a fortune.) But that's what I want, something with that heavy, worn in hand with a vintage look. Rugs are tough. They're an unexpectedly expensive investment in many cases. I like the idea of a rug adding personality or pattern or texture to a room while keeping the furniture clean and simple. I think it gives a sense of space. I like the chevron look you see a lot of as well, but I don't know if it quite has the character I am envisioning. It's fun to look, and as we all know, someone has already had the same idea you have and put it on Pinterest, so there's plenty of inspiration out there. 








 

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