gift guide: top five under $50

Hi y'all! Well it is wedding week...finally! While I am super excited I am also super busy. But I wanted to get this gift guide posted before things get really crazy tomorrow with the rehearsal dinner, hair +  nail appointments, and then the wedding on Saturday!

So, without further adieu here are my five favorite Christmas gifts under $50 for you or your loved ones. I certainly wouldn't mind finding each of these under the tree this year ;) Enjoy!

1. Kate Spade glitter coaster set ($35) via Lulu & Georgia 

2. Jonathan Adler champagne candle ($42) via Hattie Sparks

3. Lulu cosmetic case ($45) via Hattie Sparks

4. Emily Ley iphone case ($48) via Design Darling

5. Printed Stripe zip top pouch ($38 plus $10 for monogram) via C. Wonder

Happy Tuesday! xo. 

friday five

Happy Friday! Here is my friday five according to my iPhone...

1. I finally got a chance the other night to catch up on my November issues. This page is from Marie Claire. Do y'all even see that Valentino maxi? I am lusting over it. I mean it will never be mine, but oh she is pretty! That whole page pretty much makes me want to go to the beach!

2. I took a cue from Kathleen and did a little bookshelf restyling. This past week I have been moving some books and things from my room to Jeremy's home (um, my home in 8 days!!). I especially love the gold owl sitting on the Chanel :) I still need to figure out how to make it more "his and hers". I definitely replaced my fashion books with all of his books...oops! 

3. I ordered these from J.Crew Factory last week during a major sale. I have been in desperate need of gray/silver flats. My current pair in this color category are a simple ballet flat from Bakers...which is ridiculous. Anyway these have a bow and I think I scored them for $30 or something like that! J.Crew Factory is 30% off everything with free shipping on orders $75 or more with code BIGSALE and it ends today! 

4. I went to Banana Republic yesterday as it was the first day of their friends and family sale. 50% off five items. Naturally, I picked up these little pretties. I really only went in for the glitter elbow patch sweater. And then I saw the leopard pants...then the red pants...and then I saw the peplum top (which is glittery but you can't see it in the picture) and I could not pass any of it up. My mom is the best and also let me charge it on her card...so there's that too, ha! Anyway, go to Banana (because I can't find anything on their site besides the red pants). They have the cutest holiday line right now! 

5. I love Jeremy's groomsmen gifts so much. It is totally an idea we found on Pinterest...we are not that clever! He did pick out the Mignon Faget glasses, though!

I am so happy it is Friday! This weekend is going to be a lot of fun and busy...it's the last weekend before the wedding and my sister's boyfriend is turning 30! Saturday consists of Pure Barre, bringing the baby Jetta to VW for an oil change and check up, errands, and dinner at La Boca to celebrate the birthday boy! Sunday will consist of watching the Saints game and more errands. What are y'all up to this weekend? I would love to hear!

Have a great day, y'all! xo.

wednesday words

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Hi y'all! With 10 days left to go until the wedding this quote above is speaking to me! And it is Wednesday which means tonight is 2 for 1 margaritas at my favorite Mexican spot. Too bad I am knee deep in packing my room, making wedding day lists, getting wedding organized, making honeymoon lists, etc. to actually go anywhere to have a margarita. I guess a glass of wine later will have to suffice!

Happy Wednesday...we are half way to Friday!! xo.

{And please excuse me if my posts are a little sporadic...wedding is definitely on the brain and has completely taken over!}

gift guide: top five under $25

Hi hi! Sorry for this late Tuesday post, but I have been so busy with wedding things! Do excuse me :)
Anyway, I have been wanting to do a few different gift guides at a few different price points as I have been finding so many adorable things lately! My Christmas list is growing longer by the day...oops! Each item in this gift guide is under $25 and will certainly make a great gift for you or someone you love this holiday season. I narrowed it down to five of my favorite gifts under $25. Hope you find something you love or you would love to give!

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1. Kate Spade mug from SHOPbymonika. 

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2. "You are so freaking awesome" card set from Design Darling. 

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3. The Prep Star Peskir from Loomed Nola. 

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4. Glam print from SS Print Shop. 

{I am pretty sure I am buying "glam" for my nightstand and this one for Jeremy for his nightstand. I just love them!}

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5. Monogrammed Acrylic Pencil Cup from Design Darling. {had to throw something monogrammed in!} 

Happy Tuesday! xo. 

outfit experiment

{top: old navy, sweater vest: loft, jeans: 7 for all mankind (best skinnies EVER), booties: old navy}

 I threw this cozy look together on Saturday and am still trying to decide how I feel about it as a whole. While I love each piece individually (especially the vest) I can't decide if I love it all together. And, side note, this is my first time rocking booties over skinny jeans. I am well aware this is not a new trend by any means, ha! But, when it comes to styling these booties I have been fine with a skirt and fine with cuffed skinny jeans. But OVER my skinnies? I just was not sure how it would look on me or if I could pull it off. Well, I gotta say I liked it and I am ready to try this look again! What do y'all think of this look? 

Happy Monday! xo. 

friday five

It is finally Friday and just 15 days until I am a Mrs! Time is certainly flying now. Anyway...here are five things I have been loving this week. Enjoy!

1. Rivertree Designs
My extremely talented friend, Rebekah, is the lady behind Rivertree Designs. She has been doing a lot of pretty things for my wedding. She did the calligraphy on my envelopes, place cards, and chalkboards. This print above is one she custom made for me a few months ago. Philippians 4:6 is my favorite scripture ever and I have been meditating on it this week.

2. Renegade Bridal Fair
Last night my sister and I went to the Renegade Bridal Fair at the Beauregard Keyes House in the French Quarter. Talk about a gorgeous wedding venue, y'all! Hattie Sparks boutique and Loomed NOLA hosted the event and it was lovely. I got to speak with a lot of awesome New Orleans designers and business owners like Lionheart Prints, P's and Q's (the most delicious pies and quiches), PS Creative, (my favorite) Dry Bar Bleu, Pure Barre, and of course Hattie Sparks to name a few. It was such a fun evening...made me kinda want to plan my wedding all over again!

3. Hydrangeas

One of my students picked these hydrangeas for me and they have been brightening my desk since Wednesday! I love, love, love hydrangeas. Especially white ones!

4. St. Tropez Self Tanner
Y,all. This self tanner is awesome. It is a foam and does NOT stink or leave you with an orange tint. I have never had a spray tan before, but I am willing to bet this is just as good! Gloves are provided for application, as well! Go get some. Seriously.

5. Our rehearsal dinner invitation
Scriptura does it again! I love, love, love the rehearsal dinner invitations my (future) mother in law chose from Scriptura. They are so elegant and fancy...exactly what I wanted and exactly how we both planned this event to be. I don't know why, but I have been looking forward to my rehearsal dinner for so long (maybe it's because I get to wear this dress?)! I know that what my future in-laws have planned will be beautiful...can't wait!

Weekend: This Saturday is my bridal brunch. I am so excited to honor my fabulous bridesmaids, watch them open their gifts, and have a delicious meal at Ralph's on the Park with the wonderful ladies in my life. Annnnd, Sunday is our last round of pre-marriage counseling...can't believe it! What are y'all up to this weekend? I would love to hear...leave a comment below!

Have a wonderful day and happy, happy weekend! xo.

kelly wynne

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Have y'all heard of Kelly Wynne? She is an adorable designer from Texas who creates the most fabulous handbags! She went after her dream, followed her passion, and turned it into real life. Talk about an inspiration. From a clutch to a crossbody to a tote...she designs it. So, needless to say Kelly's bags vary in size...while one is great for a night out on the town another is perfect for carrying your everyday essentials. I have been eyeing her unique bags for a few months now (and can not stop talking about them to my sister and Jeremy)- namely this mini mini mingle in hair calf, this paint the town tote in black serpentine, and this cheers to me crossbody in mocha black lizard & black. And the names! The names of her bags are so clever and catchy. I know I will be adding one (at the very least) of these bags to my Christmas wish list, but certainly wouldn't mind finding all 3 under the tree ;) Be sure to check out Kelly Wynne today and let me know which bag is your favorite in the comments section below. It will be hard to choose! 

Can you believe tomorrow is Friday!? Have a great Thursday, y'all! xo. 

wednesday words: passion

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Lately, I have been having trouble following my passion. I guess I should not say "having trouble", but more so having feelings of discouragement. Moments of question and doubt and stress about this little blog take over at times. I do try to give myself grace as I am in the final days of planning my wedding and very busy with work...so time is definitely not a luxury until after November 23. But, despite all of the doubt I let myself feel I am 100% passionate about this blog and I am excited to see it grow! I am passionate about ultimately reaching my goals and following my dreams. I am passionate about what I post and write about on here and I do hope that it shows! I am looking forward to discovering what God has in store for me and Style Me Southern. I know big things won't happen over night, but I have a great feeling things are going to be very exciting. I hope y'all can take this quote, from the ever so lovely Mrs. Child, as an encouragement to find or rediscover something you are passionate about! 

Happy Wednesday! xo.

current project: makeshift bar cart

Happy Tuesday! So, my birthday gift from Jeremy arrived late last week and I love it! I really wanted a bar cart and I really wanted some type of cabinet to store our china. But, I did not want a curio for the china. I was very specific in the type of cabinet I wanted. Well, we found and ordered this Threshold cabinet from Target. Upon its arrival I immediately decided I could also turn it into a bar cart by utilizing the top space! I would still like to get a bar cart one of these days (when we have a bit more space), but for now this cabinet is a win win!

While it is still a work in progress I wanted to share with y'all how I have styled  the cabinet so far. Jeremy and I have received a lot of bar ware as shower and wedding gifts. Lots of Mignon Faget, Kate Spade, and Ralph Lauren cocktail glasses. I love them all and wanted to display them....they're all gorgeous! So, I chose a few from each set to place on top of the cabinet. We received the round, silver speak easy tray from Pottery Barn as a gift . I love the elegance of it.

Above the "cart" we hung up a print we both fell in love with when we saw it at Hattie Sparks a few weeks ago. The print is by the girls over at the Grove Street Press (who I have blogged about before). We love our city and Louisiana so this print is perfect for us! Below it we hung a piece of ceramic art of the Audubon Tea Room,which is where our wedding reception is being held. I would eventually like to get some more prints from Shannon Kirsten. She has some "whiskey" and "vodka" prints that I love!

While I am no where near done, I like what is happening so far! I will keep y'all updated as I go along!

Enjoy your day! xo. 

weekend

Hi y'all! How's Monday so far? Mine is pretty typical for me...busy and tired (after the weekend). I am so thankful for daylights saving time though and the hour that we gained. I definitely needed it.

Anyway, I wanted to share some weekend details with y'all! It was a good one for sure!

Friday was my bachelorette party and it was the best! I got my hair blown out and styled at Dry Bar Bleu (quickly becoming addicted) and wore this Camilyn Beth dress. Y'all, this dress is so comfortable and fun for a night out. And the ruffles on the back...obsessed. I can't wait to wear it again styled differently with a necklace and different heels. My sister did a beyond fabulous job decorating her home for my party and my cake was covered in sprinkles. I mean...I could not have been more thrilled. After we had pasta, champagne punch, and opened my pretty presents we went out on the town! And we certainly partied. It was such a fun, girly night! I wish I could just do it all over again. Don't y'all just love those kind of nights?

{outfit details: dress: camilyn beth, belt: loft (similar), booties: banana republic (similar)}

Needless to say, Saturday I was beyond exhausted. I stayed in bed the majority of the day. But being the planner that I am I actually planned to be in bed all day (#nerdalert). So my calendar was completely free.

Sunday was just as lazy as Saturday. I hung out with my sister and my favorite puppy nephew all day (on her couch) and ordered sushi with Jeremy that night. It was a pretty perfect day. 

{lazy sunday outfit details: sweatshirt: old navy, jeans: true religion (old), loafers: target}

Oh! I keep getting compliments on these loafers (above) via Instagram. Y'all they are from Target and were around 20 bucks. Go get some before they sell out! They come in solid colors, too! 

Happy Monday! xo. 

friday five

Happy Friday! It is sort of like a three day weekend for me. Today is teacher in-service. Which means no kids and I don't have to be to work until 9:00. And I get to leave at 12:00! Happy Friday, indeed.

And here are 5 things I am loving this week...

{1. My dad and I went on a date to Tableau Wednesday night. It was fabulous. Best paneed veal I have ever had. I also especially loved the table linens. I can't wait to go back!} 

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{2. I am obsessed with this beetle pillow from Target. Our sofa is in need of some darker, fall color pillows and I think this pillow fits the bill!} 

{3. My bachelorette party/ lingerie shower is tomorrow night. I have been waiting for this particular night for so long! I am so ready to party with my girls, wear this dress, and have a good time! And I just love the invitation, too.} 

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{4. This kate spade 2014 planner is perfection. It is big and sturdy with lots of writing room. I also love the black & white stripes. It looks so chic sitting on my desk.}

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{5. Camilyn Beth does it again!! I am wearing this dress tomorrow to my bachelorette, but in black and with black booties. I have been waiting to wear this little number since I picked it up at Hattie's in September. It is the most flattering and girly LBD I have ever owned. Camilyn is such a sweetie and has such incredible talent. I can't wait to purchase another one of her pieces!} 

Enjoy the weekend! xo.