9.30.2017

SEPTEMBER / one to remember

+ Hey there! Like always, I can't believe we're already at the end of another month! September was fantastic for me; I spent the first 10 days in Italy, I'm feeling more emotional clarity than I have in a while, we're around the corner from what I've determined is MY Christmas season [F A L L] and the month really ended with a bang with some exciting news at work this week. More on all of this, later :)

+ Small Goals | Only 2 for the month: hair cut (check!) & sign up for a race (check! Nashville Oktoberfest 5K.)

+ Post Italy, I was excited to start training for a race, and even made a mock up training plan. WELL. Life, and this dang Indian Summer, has definitely gotten in the way of training. I was probably too optimistic about it, anyway! But I’m not worried. I’ll be racing next Saturday and I know it’ll be fun regardless. 


+ Shopping | This time of year is when I shop the most, historically. We made our rounds at Zara in Italy, where I found my tapestry skirt & white tee (worn here), pom pom earrings, fuzzy sweater (worn here), and structured leggings. While in Europe, I also bought Birkenstocks and Supergas (worn here.)

Last weekend I went to H&M to solidify my uniform for the Fall: oversized sweater + Zara leggings + booties. I got three big sweaters, a fuzzy cardigan (all the fuzzy sweaters please, thanks) a pink ringer tee, the most fabulous patent leather skirt, a velvet skater skirt, and a suede baseball cap! Finally, because of the Shopbop sale, I ordered two pairs of black booties to try AND finally, the Mara Hoffman swimsuit of my dreams on SUPER sale! I have so much great new stuff that I am pumped to wear this Fall (and share on the blog! Stay tuned!) Linked to as much as I could below. 

+ Reading | I had heard great things about The Secret History (and Donna Tartt, generally), so I read it on my trip. Gorgeous backdrop and interesting characters, but it was all a little weird. You know me, I like my plots tied with a bow at the end, and there didn't seem to be much resolution? I also started The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (which I had tried to listen to once before) and I am just finishing up Where Am I Now, Mara Wilson's "memoir", which everyone needs to read immediately! Every page of it has been a delight.

+ Watching | Broad City is BACKKK and still the best! I also had to watch Rough Night because I'll watch anything with Ilana Glazer. It had an all-star cast, and some funny moments, for sure; but the plot was all over the place and too narrow, at the same time, if possible. I am SO excited to check out the Lady Gaga doc on Netflix, Gaga 5'2", anyone watch it yet? 

+ Podcasts | I don't listen to podcasts, but I started Up & Vanished for my trip. I would say, it's worth listening to, but brace yourself because there is a LOT of material. I listened to it the whole way to Italy and I'm still trying to finish it. Someone tell me if it is worth listening to the end? Payne is super annoying. 

+ TunesNicole got me thinking about my favorite Fall albums, so here's a few that will get you in the Autumnal spirit (music just sounds better in the Fall, doesn't it?): Forever For Now - LP, Two - Liza Anne, Cleopatra - The Lumineers, The Voyager - Jenny Lewis. a really good hipster playlist has also been on heavy rotation for me (alsooo are we connected on Spotify?)

+ Nashville | MILK & HONEY is literally the only thing that matters in this whole post. M&H is a Chattanooga transplant that has FINALLY opened in Nashville. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want one of everything- baked goods (I flip out over their blueberry “pop tarts”), fancy coffees, grab & go foods, and delicious full breakfast and lunch. RUN, don’t walk!
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I would love to hear about the best parts of your September! Share with me, below. 
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9.28.2017

10 Best Drugstore Beauty Products


I don’t know if you’ve heard, but you do NOT need to spend a fortune to have your make-up looking flawless. More and more, affordable cosmetic lines are upping their game- and their dupes.

As a make-up junkie (but still total beauty rookie) drugstore beauty products are something I am passionate about. This may sound a bit silly- but the prices make them accessible to everyone- and shouldn’t everyone have access to beauty products that make them feel great?

The prices also mean that you don’t have to think twice about trying a new product, trend, or shade. Try them all! Most drugstore beauty products are only a few dollars, and I would say the VAST majority are under $10. So try a vampy lipstick, three shades of foundation, or whatever the latest nail trend is. And if something doesn’t work out, literally throw it in the garbage if you want and NO sweat.

Here are, in my opinion, the ten best beauty products that you can find at your local drugstore, right now!

*I'm not a beauty guru by any means, but I have come a LONG way (& I’ve been watching lot of YouTube.)*
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1. Wet n Wild highlighter | I have blogged about these several times- if you try out one thing on this list, make it this! These highlighters are absolutely gorgeous- so incredibly pigmented, shimmery, and blendable. I'd pick this $5 highlighter over my $30 Too Faced one any day. I own both Crown of my Canopy (bronzy copper) and Precious Petals (lighter champagne) and they've expanded to four other shades!
2. Wet n Wild LiquidCatsuit Lipstick | So I really love Wet n Wild, obviously. These liquid lipsticks are a dream! The shades are so great, I find the formula to be long-lasting and not cakey, but what really seals the deal for me is the brush. I basically never wear lip liner (shh) and the pointed tip of the brush allows for perfect, precise application. The shade above is Oh My Dolly, a perfect hot PINK.
3. Essence Make Me Brow | Brow spoolies are brow spoolies, except for one little thing (literally, little:) the brush for the Make Me Brow is smaller, like, the width of your eyebrow. When I use a NYX/etc. brow spoolie, that are the size of a mascara wand, they get all over my face! I promise the size of this brush makes it that much better. The shade Browny Brows is perfect for me! Oh- not all drugstores carry this brand, but you can find it at Target.
4. Sally Hansen Insta Dry | Drugstore nail polish is probably the thing I know the most about- I’ve tried them allll. The Insta Dry has a nice thick lacquer, no runny drugstore polish here! I really love the wide brush, and it dries quickly, as advertised (which I need because I cannot sit still.) I would go as far to say it could pass as a gel polish- the finish is that good. The shade above is Poppin' Paprika (similar to Quick Fire.) 
5. NYX Angel Veil primer | Once I realized I was supposed to be wearing primer, I tried a few. I have combination skin, so I need a primer that is hydrating, but not too oily. This one is vouched for by every YouTube blogger, and did not disappoint! It just goes on SO smooth and really makes a difference in setting my foundation for the day. Primers are not cheap: most run ~ $30, the Angel Veil is half of that!
6. Jordana Best Lash Extreme | I know this is so random! I’m really not loyal to any one mascara, because they’re all about the same to me. The only mascara that I find is *noticeably* better is the Benefit They’re Real ($26- totally worth it for an event or something) but if you can’t buy that all the time, here’s the alleged drugstore dupe, that I use regularly. This is a $4 mascara, y'all, which is cheap even by drugstore standards.
7. e.l.f. Blush Palette | I love blush and I love a variety, this palette has it all- peachy and neon pink, matte and sparkley, all in super pigmented powder. You get 4 shades (my fave is the peachy one) for $6, all in a handy palette with a mirror- can't beat it! I have the cream blush version coming in the mail and I can't wait to try it! I have this in the "dark" shade, but, either could work regardless of your skin tone, honestly.
8. Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick | I have like, an obscene amount of lip color, lipstick especially, but these have been my favorite for years, that I always come back to, because they always work! Super pigmented, multiple finishes (I always go for just the regular gloss, personally) every shade you can imagine, and $7.50! The above shade is Fuchsia Fever.
9. Maybelline Age Rewind concealer | Another YouTube cult-favorite, and for good reason. This concealer is full coverage and super blendable, and two words: sponge applicator. That was a revolutionary innovation! Also works great as a cream highlighter. I use the shade "Medium."
10. 
NYX Illuminating Palette | Picking one favorite drugstore palette is tricky; I do have several, but it just depends on what you're going for, you know? This palette is the one I use the most, which seems like a great vote of confidence. A neutral shimmery eyeshadow always works, and these are the best- beautiful pigment, buttery, blendable. I'm {stupidly} just now realizing that several of these shades could work great as highlighters, as well! Two for one. 
11. Wet n Wild Photo Focus foundation | Ok there’s actually 11 on this list! I wasn’t sure if I should include foundation, because I haven’t really used enough to know. I am currently using Photo Focus, and it works great! I actually love the way it smells, it has a very handy spatula applicator, looks great in photos (as advertised), OH and it’s 6 American dollars. I have Desert Beige and Caramel. 

I would love to hear YOUR drugstore favorites too! Share with me below! 
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9.26.2017

Tapestry Skirt

Nashville style blog, Priya the Blog, Zara tapestry skirt, tapestry skirt with tassels, Summer outfit with tapestry skirt, how to wear a tapestry skirt
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| sunnies: ban.do {similar- so cool!} | lip: The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick | necklace: Forever 21 {mine is old but this one is so similar!} | tee: Zara {similar} | skirt: Zara {similar} | clog sandals: Target {similar} |

The first time I went to Zara in Rome (yeah, we did go more than once) I walked in and immediately saw this skirt. It’s so funky, but even after looking through everything in the store, I couldn’t stop thinking about it! That’s a good enough reason for me to take something home with me! It definitely makes me feel a bit like I’m wearing a rug, but “tapestry” sounds a little more wearable. Let’s go with it.

I wasn’t able to find many skirts with tassels AND tapestry online, but just tapestry seems to be the lewk right now. I’ve seen this Topshop one in stores, it is super cute, and would be perfect for Fall with some cognac booties. I can't get over the colors in this Alice + Olivia one, gimme all those jewel tones!

We were chasing daylight here, so I only have a few photos; BUT I will be wearing this skirt again soon, for sure. I can’t wait to style it for Fall with a white button-up and my leather loafers!

In “shopping news” (eyeroll) I found out this morning that the Shopbop Event of the Season sale is happening (thanks Nicole!) and promptly ordered two pairs of black leather booties. I mean it when I say I’ve been on a quest to find THE perfect pair of BLBs for me (omg is that so annoying? Does it work like “LBD?”) and I’ve realllly been going back and forth about pulling the trigger on the black pair of the Rag & Bone Harrow booties (my sister lent/gave me a pair in navy and love them!) They’re an investment, for sure, but one that makes sense if I can wear them everyday, forever. I will obviously keep you posted. (Also ordered this Club Monaco pair to try on.)

Hope you’re having a great start to the week! I’ve pretty much scientifically determined that Tuesday is the worst day of the week (this is like a whole separate blog post) but I kicked off my day with “Tuesday” by ILoveMakonnen on repeat, and I have some fun happy hour plans straight after work (self-fulfilling prophecy, anyone?) So, do your worst, Tuesday! Thanks for reading!
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9.22.2017

Mohair, Mo' Problems

This post is sponsored by Logojoy, the world's favorite online logo maker. Logojoy helps millions create "Logos You'll Love" with a sophisticated AI, which guides you to get the best possible logo at a fraction of the time and cost of a human designer.
Nashville style blogger, Priya the Blog, fuzzy sweater, white Superga trainers, Fall transitional outfit, transitional Summer outfit, How to wear a fuzzy sweater
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| lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Tampered | sweater: Zara {similar} | purse: vintage {similar} | jeans: Urban Outfitters | trainers: Superga

Fall inspo ahead, view my outfits by season: Fall / Winter / Spring / Summer

Hi friends! I thought the title Mohair, Mo' Problems was so clever, though, ironically, I have less hair than the last time you saw me! I got a little, much-needed refresher cut on Monday. Hardly noticeable. 

What else is new...well, both this fuzzy sweater and my Supergas! I picked them both up in Rome and I am obsessed! I don't know where this deep longing for a fuzzy sweater came from, exactly, but it's so fun and reminds me of elementary school. I'm totally getting "back to school" vibes with a fresh pair of white kicks as well. Superga is officially "the people's shoe of Italy", isn't that fun? I'd always admired them on other people, but then my sister and I realized "When in Rome..." haha. When in Rome, buy anything European that you've been wanting (Supergas, Birkenstocks, Zara stuff) because it's all cheaper there! 

Happy first day of Fall! This feels like the perfect "transitioning into Fall" look; but if you're wondering if it's still WAY too hot to be wearing any kind of sweater in Nashville, the answer is yes. 

Do you guys have big plans this weekend?? I really...don't! We have a volunteer thing on Saturday, but otherwise I'll be hanging out with a few dogs, getting a few sweaty 5K training runs in, and hopefully lots of reading and relaxing. I mean, I can waste time alone like nobody's business. Have a great one!

photos (and this amazing location, isn't it dreamy??) by Miles Price
OH I need you to know that after Miles & I got back from taking these photos, mosquito bitten, sweat running down my back, I sat down and A BUG FLEW OUT from under my sweater. This blog is literally going to kill me one day.


Thanks to Logojoy for sponsoring this post! Logojoy makes it easy and fun to create a logo that you'll be proud of. And thanks to YOU for your support of this blog! 
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9.20.2017

Packing List: 10 Days in Italy

It's packing list time! I haven't done one of these since my trip to Europe last year because honestly they are a lot of freaking work BUT extremely helpful to look back on. Packing is a stressful part of traveling that I don't love, and it's silly to think that it can actually affect your trip. I had the mantra "Stuff ruins trips" (via Man Repeller) in mind this time around, and I think I did a pretty decent job!

This post is going to be long so let's just go for it! 
Nashville style blog, Priya the Blog, Packing List: 10 Days in Italy, packing list, what to pack for a trip to Italy, vacation packing list, travel, packing for a 10 day trip to Italy
The Trip:
Destination | the island of Sardinia, Italy and Rome, Italy
Forecast | highs in the mid-80's lows in the high 60's, mostly sunny and warm, some rain
Notable activities | beach time in Sardinia, lots of walking in Rome, a few nights out (mostly casual) 

The List: I've linked to exact when possible or similar otherwise.
Not included here | toiletries, undergarments, make-up, jewelry, carry-on stuff, hi-waist bikini bottoms
Nashville style blog, Priya the Blog, Packing List: 10 Days in Italy, packing list, what to pack for a trip to Italy, vacation packing list, travel, packing for a 10 day trip to Italy


I'll keep my commentary to a minimum here, but a couple notes:
+ My color palette, as you can probably guess, was white, blue/denim, and pink. Sticking to a palette for packing was something I ignored for years, but I promise it is so helpful.
+ Another thing you might notice is that I stuck to three in every category. I find it so helpful to pack like this! Pick a number, based on the duration of your trip (not an exact science), and stick to it.
+ As a general rule, I never pack any "one hit wonders." I wore each of these items multiple times (apart from the white tanks.) The white dress specifically was meant to double for a night out/beach cover-up (since I only technically packed one "cover-up.") The other exception was the off-the-shoulder dress, which, I had specifically in mind for one nicer night out. No regrets packing it for one night where it worked perfectly (that full outfit here!) 
Nashville style blog, Priya the Blog, Packing List: 10 Days in Italy, packing list, what to pack for a trip to Italy, vacation packing list, travel, packing for a 10 day trip to Italy
black one-piece | Rosé one-piece | snow leopard swim top | purple bikini | tunic | romper | denim jacket | tights | shorts | sports bra | top | Nike trainers | Rainbows | clogs

+ I knowingly packed one more swimsuit than I really needed, but the novelty suits were like a point of the trip! Otherwise, I was pleased that my suits were mix & max. I never wore my black hi-waisted bottoms (and forgot to include them here!) but that was mostly for tan line reasons. 
+ My sister told me I didn't need many nicer options, and I never had the opportunity to wear the romper. 
+ The denim jacket was mostly for chilly plane rides, but it also worked for when the sun went down!
+ Regardless of if I'm training for something or planning to workout, I don't travel without activewear of some kind (because I can't sit still.) My sister is training for a marathon so I ran with her one day, otherwise, we went on several walks/a hike-ish but I didn't need the tights. 
+ Shoes were the thing I would have loved to have more of, but really didn't need. But I did get sick of wearing these three pairs over and over again. 


+ I never travel without a scarf! This one is oversized and was perfect for wrapping up in on the plane.
+ This doesn't include jewelry (simple studs/necklace for everyday, a couple pairs of statement earrings.) 
+ My beloved reversible leather tote was a dream of a carry-on, and of course it was filled to the brim with ish. I'm considering doing a separate post about what I had in my carry-on, would anyone be interested in that? I always love "what's in my bag" posts. Literally if one person cares, I'll do it for ya! Let me know. Otherwise I may not have the strength for another flat lay haha    

The Outfits: Thanks to my sister for taking SO MANY pictures of me. Jeez. 
Nashville style blog, Priya the Blog, Packing List: 10 Days in Italy, packing list, what to pack for a trip to Italy, vacation packing list, travel, packing for a 10 day trip to Italy
+ I feel like you can get a really good vibe of the whole trip from this nifty little collage. I did wear multiple outfits in one day but it was mostly transitioning; beach to casual dinner, day to night in Rome, etc.
+ MVPS: drawstring pants, striped button-up, Madewell Courier dress (worn in Rome), Nike trainers
+ Didn't wear or need: romper, black hi-waist bottoms, white cotton tank, active tights

The Verdict: The three little assessment questions I like to ask myself.
+ Did I like what I wore? | I did! It all felt v Italian vacation-y but still v Pri.
+ Did I feel comfortable/prepared? | Comfy, YES & maybe just slightly over-prepared, that's my only edit.
+ Did "stuff ruin my trip"? | Nope. AND I had room to bring back souvenirs and new clothes. Success!

OK. I would love to hear your thoughts! Did I look cool, what did I forget, what should I have left out, what do you never leave home without? And if you made it to the end, THANKS for reading!


All of my packing lists right here.
Also check out my packing tips!
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9.16.2017

When in Rome

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| earrings: Old Navy {similar} | lip: Aveda nourish-mint in Cana | necklace: gift {similar} | blouse: Ann Taylor Loft | drawstring pants: Old Navy {similar} | clogs: Swedish Hasbeen {same in tan} | purse: vintage {save / splurge / love this "Ostrich leather" one!} |



Well good Saturday evening to you all! I basically never post on weekends (like, ever) but I really didn't want to be dragging my Italy trip out forever, hah. I did share a bunch of pictures & my full trip re-cap earlier this week (not like a typical blog post about traveling...it's more like, run-on sentences of me sharing my "clever" observations) and my first look from the trip (off-the-shoulder chambray on the island of Sardinia- yay.) Here's my second and final look from my trip (promise)!

This could easily be some outfit inspo for your Saturday night, regardless of what you're doing! If you're going out on the town, you're covered (and can walk for dayzzz in clogs.) If you're at a casual hang watching football (I understand this is what people are doing today?) swap the clogs for sandals or slides and skip your college tee. And if you're traveling, I promise you, these pants are a dream (just be sure and bring something long-sleeved.)

For the second Europe trip in a row, these linen drawstring pants from Old Navy have been my packing capsule MVP. I just want you all to have them!! They are so easy breezy and comfortable for traveling (I'm talking 24+ hours both ways) and transition to a chic night out-fit so well. They also work in a pinch every time I wake up late for work- a cool, simple look that doesn't look schleppy- done! I am actually selling an identical pair on Poshmark (these are a Petite and slightly shorter, but not much at all) and this pair from Nordstrom seems really similar. If I have never given you anything else from reading this blog- you need some drawstring pants. Trust me.

I had this exact outfit in mind for a night out in Rome, actually, and that's what these pictures are from! After a day running from the Piazza Navona to the Trevi Fountain to the Coliseum, we stopped for a quick costume change, and then it was out to dinner and drinks. We stayed in the Trastevere neighborhood which was absolutely delightful- so many great gelaterias, pizzarias, trattorias and shops, and all just steps away from our Airbnb! All of the sights are walking distance away, but the neighborhood definitely felt a lot more chill and local, and with a bustling night life! Full re-cap of my trip to Italy right here

I'm hoping between unpacking my suitcase and doing laundry and cleaning sand off my floor this weekend, I'll get my packing post together- stay tuned! Enjoy the weekend!! 
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9.14.2017

#basicbellas Italy Trip!

Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blogger, Italian vacation, Sardinia vacation, Italy trip, #basicbellas
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Just like everyone else, Italy has been on top my travel wishlist forever. How could it not be? The food, the culture, the history, the sights, and the people all together make it a pretty ultimate destination.

I met my sister in Milan on a rainy Friday evening, and we continued on to the island of Sardinia on Saturday morning. We were SO fortunate to be able to stay in the city of Alghero with our dear friend, Luise, at her family's vacation home. Seriously, shout-out to Luise, whom I started calling "Santa Luisa" because she was the best host; always having an espresso ready, chauffeuring us around, making the best hard-boiled eggs and pasta, etc.

I was very tickled to come up with the analogy "Sardinia is the Hawaii of Italy" so, the ultimate island vacation destination for Italians. But also a bit of a deep-cut (which we were pleasantly surprised to learn when several Romans said "You went to Sardinia? No one goes there!") achievement unlocked!

Sardinia is truly one of the most incredible places I've ever been, and it has SO much to offer! Stunning white sand/clear blue sea beaches, mountains, cliffs, quaint towns, deserts, and sooo much great seafood, all under the unrelenting (fantastic!) Mediterranean sunshine.

We were totally content spending the day at our “local beach”, & making an ^^ Italian spread ^^ back at the house for dinner (this was not settling at ALL- we picked up any random fresh pasta at the corner grocery and it was like the best thing I’d ever tasted.) Luise was also super gracious to cart us around the island for a few excursions as well (in the cutest retro Fiat!): Capo Caccia National Park (I know I’m using a lot of extremes but this was actually one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been), Stintino beach, (clearest water I’ve ever seen, and a castle to swim to, nbd) and the tiny town and local beach in Bosa (colorful flags and cove beach above!)

We certainly embraced the "island lifestyle" 100%, I'm talking, no real clothes, no make-up, dinners on the terrace, sunset Negronis, it was a dream.

And then to juxtapose our island lifestyle to the extreme, we flew to Rome on Thursday for our last couple days. My sister and I agreed that it would have been better to do the busy/packed chapter of vacation BEFORE the chill/beach chapter (next time!!) We really only did a walk-by tour of most things since our time was short, but turning the corner and seeing the Parthenon was not a let-down. I actually gasped a couple times. To be in the same city with so much history that I’d only ever read about in books/seen pictures of was just SO cool. There may even be a video out there of me singing in front of the Coliseum, (not for money, just for my family and because I am dumb) idk, ask my sister and she might give it to you.

I’ve been thinking about the food since I’ve been back (obviously) and you know, Italian food is just what’s UP. There’s no guessing and it’s a crowd pleaser, who doesn’t love pizza, cheese, pasta, and gelato? We did it big. Seriously in Rome one day we had pizza for a late breakfast, gelato for a late lunch, and pasta for a late dinner! Because the Italians eat dinner at like 9pm, seriously.

I think I could get used to that slow Italian lifestyle…and the people watching was prime. I loved nothing more than watching an enthusiastic phone call or conversation that could have been just someone asking the time of day, but it’s all and emphatic gestures and air kisses in sing-song Italian. You do you, Italians.

Ciao, for now, Italy!

Lots more of my travels, right here!
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9.12.2017

Mediterranean Blues

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blogger, off-the-shoulder chambray dress, Sardinia, Italy vacation outfit
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blogger, off-the-shoulder chambray dress, Sardinia, Italy vacation outfitPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blogger, off-the-shoulder chambray dress, Sardinia, Italy vacation outfitPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blogger, off-the-shoulder chambray dress, Sardinia, Italy vacation outfitPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blogger, off-the-shoulder chambray dress, Sardinia, Italy vacation outfit
| earrings: Madewell {similar} | lip: Cailyn Cosmetics Matte Tint in Narcissist | necklace: gift {similar} | dress: Old Navy {similar} | purse: vintage {similar} | clogs: Swedish Hasbeens {same style in tan} | 


I'm baaaaack! Did you miss me? Did you notice I was gone? I was in Italy last week!

I promise I won't be obnoxious and talk about this trip forever, but I do have a recap/photos to share later this week, along with a couple outfits (like I would miss out on the opportunity to take some outfits photos in a picturesque cobblestone alley!) Also hoping to share a packing list, next week-ish, because I feel like I nearly nailed it! And I had a request for one (no seriously!!) 

This outfit is what I wore to dinner on our last night in Sardinia. Luise took us to her favorite little place for a five course tasting menu and a never-ending jug of wine. Sardinia is, as a whole, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and the city of Alghero (where we stayed) is entirely charming! This little alley was just around the corner from our apartment! More on all of this, later.

This marks the one night on the island where I actually "got ready" - put on real clothes, wore make-up, and did my hair-ish (full disclosure: I was deep conditioning in this braid because the Mediterranean Sea/sun is no joke!!) I couldn't not pack this dress for a trip to Italy, and it certainly fit the bill for a tasting menu, as well. These streets sure are cute, but boy were they hard to walk on (even in clogs!)

And I won't turn this post into product placement but; I mentioned I got an iPhone 7+ before I left, and these pictures are straight off my phone (well, not straight, but you know.) I was chanting "depth-effect. depth-effect!" all week, haha. The phone is a bit clunky, but if you're looking for a bomb phone camera, I would completely recommend it. Can't wait to share the rest of my photos! Oh and since the iPhone 8 came out today >:( maybe you can get it for less than I did! 

Mediterranean Blues is of course in reference to this dress, but also a play on those inevitable post-vacay blues. But you know, as much as I'm missing the beach and the best pasta and those carefree vacation days, it hasn't been the worst thing to be back in Nashville! It's always kinda nice to come home after a trip, know what I mean? My sister and I agreed that we missed our own beds and showers, haha. It was actually so nice to be back in the office and see all my work friends (and have them all say "welcome back!" and mean it!) I guesssss if coming home from vacation doesn't suck, that means I have things pretty good :)
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9.07.2017

Snapshots of Life, XV

Throwing it back to an old series I haven't done since...the last time I was out of the country for a week!

Here are some random iPhone snaps from Summer '17 that I just don't want to forget about!
{clockwise, ish)
Hamilton/Drybar selfie in Chicago
my mom sent us this picture on Peanut's birthday, PLEASE enjoy my scowl
nature selfie (oh no is this about to be a collection of my selfies)
the best mural ever in Chicago
a sunset that I did not capture while driving...nope...why do you ask?
the Hot Mess Express truck IS me (at CMA fest!)
novelty swimsuit + ca-brewing = a really great day
just a great mirror selfie with my girl Jacqui in Charleston
a Chinese dragon from the lantern festival
on my babysitting grind, he kept asking "can I have a drink out of dat?"
Copy of Snapshots Summer '171
a sari selfie from Anjali & Mike's ceremony #2
I just want this on record as one of my FAVORITE family photos, ever (could you die??)
such a great girl's night in California with Kate the Great (and Steph!)
here I am after my hosting gig at our conference (actually this Spring ok fine)
turn up for Friday night with L & MC!
I "took" John to Chili's for his bday and then Christine paid for it :| 
I love this photo of me & the twins after my mom's bday party so so much
my Mummo turned 80 and she real cute and that's all HBD Mummo!
quick shout-out to this shirt, the real MVP of my life
when my Dad picked me up from the airport and took me straight to In-N-Out #blessingsonblessingsonblessings


Here lie the Snapshots of Life archives!
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9.05.2017

A Jeans & Tee Girl


UntitledUntitledUntitled | glasses: ban.do {similar} | tee: American Apparel via Jamie {similar} | jeans: Urban Outfitters | purse: Pop & Suki (gift) {similar} | slides: Madewell {similar} |

Sometimes just a simple jeans & tee combo feels so right. Because I primarily take outfit photos from the office, I rarely run into the issue of “dressing for the blog” (not that there’s anything WRONG with that- but I really cannot be bothered to get ready unless it’s for a full day of something.) All of the outfits you see here are ones I’ve actually worn; of course, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think a little harder on the days I know I’ll be taking photos. So it’s a pleasant surprise when you don’t overthink it, and things turn out just fine (I feel like this happens a lot when I’m hosting people- no time to think about FASHION!)

This outfit is actually from a while back, when my Little Peanut came to town (this weekend.) It was pretty perfect for an afternoon spent shopping around and eating on the patio at Martin’s BBQ (my favorite. Ask me about my legendary customer service experience!) This wall is quite close to my office as well and I’ve had my eye on it forever.

My favorite girlfriend jeans (still available, don’t delay!) and a vintage-y v-neck from American Apparel (RIP) gave my classic jeans & tee a nice twist! I guess even amongst metallic pants, leopard print and Leopard print, suede culottes, and gingham dresses, I’ll still always be a jeans & tee girl.

FYI: All my outfits are easily located for your scrolling conveneince under “Lookbook” up top! Check it out! (Not ALL of them, yet. Working on it.)

P.S. I am totally not actually here today- I’m on vacation in Italy this week! If all has gone according to plan, my sister and I are on the island of Sardinia right now (and I *hope* I am eating so much cheese.) Follow along with our adventure on Twitter (blog/personal) and Instagram , where I’m sharing my outfit of the day, ~beach vibes~, and likely a boomerang or two of us drinking Rosé. BYE
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