Travelogue: That Sweet, Sweet Southern Style

First off, all I can say is "wow."  I checked my e-mail yesterday morning, after neglecting it this weekend, and was completely floored by all of the encouraging words and support you guys have given me over the last few days.  I realize that generally when I'm writing there is that tinge of sarcasm seeping through my words, but consider this pure sincerity.  I am amazed, honored, blessed, and grateful you took the time to stumble on this little blog, and promise I'll probably tell you over and over again what beautiful people you are on your respective blogs.  Until then, let's talk about southern things... before I evidently pass out or resign myself to more emails from work (huzzah).

Top-Left:  Terrapin Brewery; Bottom-Left:  Coach Watch and Swell Caroline Friendship Bracelet; Top-Right:  Atlanta Cupcake Factory; Bottom-Right:  Grasshopper and Lemon Cupcakes from the Atlanta Cupcake Factory

The last couple of weeks have been tough, with balancing between a new project at work and flying between Boston and Atlanta every week.  Fortunately, I got to spend my weekends at home this month, which meant the potential of rekindling some friendships that had been severely neglected but documented over Instagram.  Alas, the life of a technological nomad.  I attest to my Northern friends and colleagues that the South really isn't as po'dunk and hick as the media portrays it to be.  Yes, we have fun here. While that fun may be a bit southern tinged, it makes it all the more exciting.

For the sake of time (to read all your lovely blogs!) and the fact that I in fact do have a lot of emails to send out tonight, allow me to break down the last month in Georgia in three simple steps.  I call it, "Eat, Drink, Shop"  -- all the cultural fun, with less yoga-driven religious epiphanies and more alcohol.  Click to read what these pictures actually talk about.  I promise that the words might be as delicious as the pictures show.

Weekend Deals & Steals 7/27 - 7/29

What up lovelies?  How have your weeks been?  Been following up on the latest in Kristen Stewart and RPattz drama?!  Good, because I haven't!  (oh no I di'int).  Instead, I've been working and studying... and also bringing you the best in sales this weekend right at your fingertips!   Also, Crafts and Love (which I briefly wrote about earlier this week) is being featured as one of the products of the day at Scoutmob's Shoppe!  Select pieces are 20% to 30% off of their original prices.  Hurray, while jewelry is still available!

Left:  Fringe Necklace for $25; Right:  Morocco Necklace for $21.

Online

• Athleta - Up to 60% off
• Banana Republic, GAP, and Old Navy - Extra 30% off all items online, with the code JULY2012, ends 7/26 at midnight.
• C Wonder - Extra 50% off sale items, with the code HOTHOTHOT, ends 7/30.
• Diane von Furstenberg - Extra 20% off all sale and final sale items online with the code SUMMERSALE, ends 7/29.
• Intermix - Extra 40% off of sale items online, ends 7/31.
• Piperlime - Extra 20% off of everything with the code TWENTY.

In-Store

• Athleta - Up to 60% off
• Bergdorf Goodman's - Up to 75% off.
• Nordstrom - Anniversary Sale
• Patagonia - 50% off of selected items, ends 7/31.

Sales - Atlanta

• Boutique Bargains Clearance Sale - Up to 50% to 75% off of designer clothing from 24 boutiques throughout Atlanta at one location, Atlantic Station next to Dillard's.
• Festivity - Sidewalk Sale, up to 75% off, Powers Ferry Square, ends 7/29.

Sales - New York City

• Bit + Piece - Summer clearance sale, up to 90% off of designer merchandise including Elizabeth and James, Joie, Theory and Hugo Boss, 246 Mott St., ends 7/31.
• Jenny Packham - 50% to 80% of selected pieces, 226 W. 37th St. between 7th and 8th Aves., ends 7/31.
• JF & Sons - Closing Sale, ends 7/28, 56 University Place, New York, NY 10003.

Have a tip-off or recommendation for next week?  Shoot me an email! 

Lookbook: Red, White, Blues in the Sky

I've been on a project that allows for a little more lee-way in the work outfit department with it's business casual dress code (with more emphasis on the casual).  I read a book once on business etiquette that suggested dressing ever so-slightly more professional than the rest of the office, but not enough as to be too distracting.  The conundrum for me last weekend was to find a way to break from the droll black pencil skirt, black cardigan, and random blouse combo and try a more summer-friendly work look.  

Banana Republic Red Sheath Dress (similar), J. Crew Metallic Gold Leather Belt (old), Madewell Scarf, Madewell Contrast Mail Mini Bag, Nine West Caress Patent Heels, Fendi Black Framed Glasses

In the spirit of experimentation, I switched out my cardigan for a scarf combo with my new sheath dress from Banana Republic.  I'll admit, I stole this idea from a mannequin I saw at J. Crew last year and still have a bit of mixed feelings on the look.  Yet, it was a great look to go from desk to dinner in Portsmouth.  In a way, it feels a little bohemian with the bold colors of the patterned scarf and the red dress mixing together, which is further intensified by the hipster black frames.  However, the skinny belt and the nude patent heels (in my mind, a professional woman's must-have) helps tie down the work-appropriate aspect of this outfit.

Left:  Close-up, Right:  Banana Republic Earrings (old)

A big shout out to my friend and a talented photographer himself, Feras, who helped pick the perfect Portsmouth location to snap a few photos at.  Not to mention, I think the old town church mixed with the red, white, and blue are kind of spot-on in the Americana department.

What you think?  Do you like it or should I go ahead and permanently remove this look from my suitcase?  Do I really look like a rabbi-lady?  I'll give you a nickel if you can name what song the title is from.  Holler at your girl down below.

4 Beats to the Bauble Drum

Generally speaking, I'm quick to admit my obvious deficits (i.e. my lack of musical talent, athletic prowess, putting clothes together that look anything remotely fashionable without a large amount of thought and time behind it).  However, the very one thing that I'm capable of is jewelry shopping.  Give me a store filled with costume jewelry, and I'll whip up some sartorial dreams to make my mother proud.  As such, here are four online jewelry stores with excellent style, service, and prices that you should be on the look out for.

Suede Chain Cuff and White Link Drops Earrings (Images courtesy of Bauble Bar)

BAUBLE BAR

Alright, so most likely of the four, you've probably heard of Bauble Bar.  If you haven't, you should know that it's pretty much a productivity trap if you like things big, shiny and glittery.  Bauble Bar's wide variety of pieces include lanyard friendship bracelets, colorful statement necklaces, and personalized @Twitter pendants.  If you have heard of it, it's probably because Bauble Bar has been worn and covered by the likes of InStyle Magazine, the Today Show, and countless other celebrities (Jayma Mays, Emma Roberts, and Tina Fey just to name a few).  Prices range from the affordable at $20 to the luxe at $120.  Not to mention, for nomads like myself, Bauble Bar has a Jet-Setter collection featuring jewelry for any location.  My personal (and somewhat appropriate) favorites so far are from the Maine collection, as shown above. 

Note:  The White Link Drop earrings are free with any purchase of $30 or more from the Maine collection until 7/23.

Adebe Gold Bib Necklace and Mira Triangle Charm Earrings (Images courtesy of Crafts and Love)

CRAFTS AND LOVE

One of my Facebook friends posted this amazing Etsy store after modeling some of her pieces.  I'm a complete sucker for handmade jewelry, and this one definitely stands out for its unique pieces.  Combining earthy colors with edgy cuts, Crafts and Love  has an amazing array of stone- and gold-based earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces.  It also doesn't hurt that the designer has a 100% feedback rating.  My personal favorites are some of her gold plated pieces like the Adebe Gold Bib Necklace and the Mira Triangle Charm earrings, which are simple enough to wear to work or out on a night on the town.  Pieces range from $20 to $45.

For the rest of the entry click the next page!  I promise it'll be pretty and sparkly filled with big jewels and good prices!  Scout's honor!

Weekend Deals & Steals 7/20 - 7/22

It's plane-time again!  You know what that means?  That my hair is disgusting and I look like a grisly raccoon from lack of sleep and fading make up? No, it means it's your weekly round-up of sales up and down the East Coast!  This week features some sneaky sales online and high-end boutique sales in NYC and Atlanta.  Let's get started.

Online

• Banana Republic - Extra 25% off of purchase of $125 or more with the code BR25OFF, ends 7/21
• Barney's - Online warehouse sale, date to be announced, for a one day preview register here.
• Madewell - Extra 30% off sale items, with free shipping with the code LOVEIT, ends 7/23.
• Tory Burch - Extra 20% off with the code EXTRA20, ends 7/22.

In-Store

• Ann Taylor - Semi-Annual sale with an extra 40% off on suit separates.
• Banana Republic - Up to 70% off on final sale items, with an additional 25% off.
• Madewell  - Extra 50% off sale items.

Sales - Atlanta

• Festivity - Up to 50% to 70% off final markdowns, multiple locations.
• Les Nouvelles - Yard sale, up to 90% off of designer merchandise, on 7/21 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, 1320 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd, Buckhead.

Sales - Boston

• Sucarra Jewelry - Sample Sale up to 85% off, on 7/25 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 48 Charles St., 3rd flr., Beacon Hill. 

Sales - New York City

• Playdate Bike Club x NMRKT Pop-up Sale - 20%-50% off merchandise, 379 Broome St. between Mulberry and Mott St.
• Theysken's Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale - Up to 70% off merchandise, and an additional 10% off if you check in on Foursquare, 93 Mercer St. at Spring St., ends 7/22