Vintage Voila On Stands Now In Ballantyne Magazine

If I do say so myself, the Style Points in the newest issue of Ballantyne Magazine looks pretty awesome.  Given my love of quality vintage clothing, this edit was particularly fun for me.  If you love great vintage like I do, get excited as you prepare to see everything from clothing to accessories and in between inspired by vintage design.  As we all know, the good stuff always comes back, like my Grandmother's poolside caftan here... 

Americana, patchwork, embroidery belted leather coats and rich velvet for formal occasions are a few of my favorite vintage inspired designs for Fall '17.  There are great finds from Charlotte's own Frock Shop and Neiman Marcus as well as House of Landor and the resurrected for modern day cool, Seafarer Denim. Read the entire issue HERE.  

What a treat it was, too, to be able to provide personal styling services to my editor.  Read about the AMAZING vintage needlepoint bag we uncovered tucked and hidden in her closet.  Do you have any amazing vintage finds?  I'd love to hear about them! 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Laid Back Saturday Cool

I've been working on an editorial project that had me scrolling the Instagram handles of some of the Queen City's youngest, hottest and chicest.  The twenty year olds seem to all have this dressed down ripped jean shorts, simple tee, gladiator sandals, top knot topped off with sunglasses three sizes too big thing going on.  Don't get me wrong, when styled appropriately (ie. not too short, too tight dare I say trashy looking), they look pretty sexy and cute.  That said, I am really thrilled not to be in my late twenties anymore.  I feel like the older you get the more fun you can have with fashion.  I think there is a stronger element of individuality with age.  That said, I do like the idea of an under styled laid back Madewell look for those days you just don't have more in you.  What do you think? Shop below for a few of the more simple items I like to keep in my closet. Click HERE if you are not able to see the below images.

Always, always need a good utility pant and jacket in the wardrobe.  They are both great neutral, alternatives to denim that go with everything.  

I LOVE this military style peplum jacket and here it is in plus size. 

I am digging the looks of this zip hem crop boyfriend jean. 

This is a GREAT basic tee.  The flattering V-neck is particularly nice for women with a larger bust. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Bags + Sunglasses

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has it ALL, down to the perfect accessories to top off your look. I've included some of my favorite bags in this round up, as well as sunglasses.  We all know that every look needs to be polished off with a cool pair of shades!  Shop all my favorites below, or click HERE if you are unable to see the below images.  

This whipstitch leather hobo bag is a great size one for travel, or this slightly more classic version.

I love the cool geometric shape of these Marc Jacobs shades. 

NOW is definitely a good time to spring for those investment brands, like Burberry.  These shades are super chic. 

I've been enjoying my genuine crocodile purse from House of Landor.  This leather version is reminiscent of mine.

Click HERE if you are unable to see the below images.

I couldn't help but share one of this week's devotions from Rick Warren:  Life Is About Relationships, No Accomplishments.  

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Skirts + Trousers

Next up on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hit list: Skirts and Trousers!  More often reaching for dresses or skirts over trousers, I would describe myself as somewhat of a ladylike dresser. That said, I do love a great utility pant for casual fall days and the perfect black dress pant for a more masculine cocktail look.  With a great pair of black satin pants, silk blouse, sash and statement necklace, I had fun recreating a Gucci jumpsuit worn by Olivia Wilde several years ago.

Another thing I love for every outfit is a splash or sparkle and pizzazz.  This pleated satin midi skirt or this pleated velvet one will do just the trick.

I love the asymmetrical ruffle hem on this brown leather skirt and this pleated one.  Both are perfect for the office.

Get your growl on with these leather biker pants or this faux leather pair the ever chic Blair says are her favorite.  

Shop more of my favorite skirts and trousers below and HERE if you are unable to see the below images...

On another note, on the topic of faith, friendship and love (I am so grateful for the many friends who have been my ROCK!), I recently enjoyed this devotion on perseverance and keeping the faith from Proverbs 31 Ministry.   "While God may not always remove me from my circumstances, He is always with me."

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Tops

Just like hippest capital city chic, Jamie said, if you have a blog it is basically a requirement to share the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with your readers.  But seriously.  If you are a shopper.  If you like a bargain.  If you can't help yourself.  Whatever it may be, now is the time to shop ahead of the season and SAVE.  Save BIG.  And so with that, I share with you my first of many posts to come for my top finds for this fall's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  We'll start with tops.  Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, J.Crew, Madewell and More.  Can't see the below images?  Click HERE. 

Get ready to see embroidery on EVERYTHING for Fall.  Love this shirt included in the sale.

Did you know J. Crew and Madewell are now sold through Nordstrom?  Pretty cool, and a great time to nab some of their great basics on sale! 

Another big trend for fall?  70's Plaid!  Not the lumberjack or grunge kind, but the bold, groovy 70's kind.  In the meantime, this plaid shirt comes in a variety of colors during the sale. 

Shop all my top picks for tops below and HERE.