Inspired: Life Lately.

Hello, Belles and Beaus!

I'm back. It's been a while, but I've got some fun things to share that have been inspiring me lately. Or just that are fun that I thought I'd share.

1. Bourbon Ball Ice Cream. (from Graeter's Ice Cream)

 I tried this ice cream on a whim, and it is just perfection! It tastes like springtime in Kentucky. Maybe just Derby season. Anyway, it's delicious and you should try it. And for those of you who don't like bourbon-flavored anything, it's not too strongly flavored. Kids buy ice cream here, after all. And they totally didn't card me. 

Find a Graeter's location near you at: www.graeters.com

2. Personalized Notecards. (from Embossed Graphics)

I miss letter-writing. I know, I know. Email is way easier, and I'm an old person for thinking that people should still write letters to each other. But getting real mail is so much fun! And it's my opinion that every girl who claims to be a Southern lady should have personalized notecards. I got some as a gift for college graduation, and I've never felt more grown-up. (Except for that whole part where they handed me my diploma and I walked across the stage.) And it's just so fun to have cards that are an expression of you...as you can see, mine are white and pink with flowers, SO girly-- but are balanced out by the bold, basic black script. So get some and send a letter to a friend today!

*Also, if you want to save money on notecards, run- not walk- to Michael's. They have notecards in different themes in their dollar bins. And they are cute! I'd want photo evidence, so I added a picture of some of the cards I've gotten there over the years.

 (And, yes, now you know my last name. But I'm pretty sure that's safe, since I think my mom is one of the few people who reads this.)

(Terrible photo quality, but you get the idea...a variety of different cards to choose!)

3. Gingham Everything...It's officially Spring when everyone brings out their gingham! It's even on wrapping paper. And you know what that means- it's perfect for all of that wedding-season present wrapping! 

What could be more fun than the combinations of green and pink, along with gingham and polka dots? Answer: NOTHING. 

Well, that's it for now! I'll try to post some Easter and Keeneland outfit photos soon...it's getting close to Derby season, and there are few things I love quite as much as a good excuse to wear a sundress! (And watch the horses, obviously.)

I Wore: Blue Gingham

I think most people would say that I have way too much blue in my wardrobe. But I just can't help it...especially when it comes in GINGHAM. One of my favorite prints, gingham always reminds me of summer in the South, and how can that not make you smile? 

In honor of March Madness (It's finally here! I can't wait for the NCAA Tournament!), I give you "What I Wore to a Basketball Game...Part II."

And prepare to be impressed...my sister knit me this infinity scarf! It was a Christmas gift, and I have worn it so many times since then. Most of the time, I wear it double-looped, but this time I just threw it on over a necklace and my shirt...and I ended up really liking how it looked! 

And, believe it or not, it snowed earlier that day. And I may or may not have worn this (without a coat) on my way from the car to the game. Standing room only tickets incite all kinds of crazy, apparently. But, I was freezing for all of 20 minutes, and then I didn't have to hang on to my coat for 2 hours during the game...WORTH IT. 

And then later it was sunny and a bit warmer when we left, after cheering on my team to another great win!

I Wore:

Shirt (J. Crew)

Scarf (Sister-made)

Necklace (J. Crew)

Jeans (Gap via Ebay)

Boots (Payless)

Aviators (NY&Company)

Wardrobe Workhorse: Red Coat

I'm starting a new series on this here blog, which I'm going to call Wardrobe Workhorses. It's about pieces that I have worn over and over, year after year. I think they are things that every girl should have in her wardrobe!

Today's feature is the Red Coat. I'm featuring a winter coat now, because Spring is the time when all of the winter coats go on sale, so you might be able to snag one fairly cheaply!

Winter is dark and dreary, and I think it's important to inject color during that season...and what better way to do that than by purchasing a brightly-colored winter staple! I've had my red coat for three years now, and with the exception of the fact that I need to sew on a button that fell off (see photo 2), it's still in perfect condition. 

My red coat is from J. Crew outlet, purchased during one of their sales. With a ruffled collar (I. Love. Ruffles.) and oversized red buttons, it's a unique and fun addition to my wardrobe. It's also one of the few red items I own (It's a sports thing, my alma mater's in-state rival's team color is red), but I adore the bright color it adds to my wardrobe! 

I definitely recommend getting a bright-colored coat for next winter...you won't regret it!

I've worn this coat this year...

(Of course with coffee cup in hand)

And last year...

(Double-fisting coffee this time...don't worry, I didn't drink both of them!)

Red Coat (J. Crew Outlet)

Inspired: Bowtie

Dog in a bowtie. Be still my heart. 

Found via:

www.etsy.com

Inspired: Quote

I'm obsessed with this quote and print from Etsy that's been floating around Pinterest. There is no combination better than a good book and a cup of tea! And the quote is from one of my favorite authors, which just makes it that much better!

Find it here:

www.etsy.com

I Wore: Hello Again

Hello, Belles and Beaus! Sorry I haven't posted in a while...It's been a busy couple of weeks. I've been hard at work on Issue V of FOLK, and I think it's going to be our best yet! (As well as our first issue with a new distributor...we're talking FOLK being sold at Barnes & Noble, people! SO excited.) 

These pictures were snapped WEEKS ago, and I'm just now getting around to sharing them. A few friends and I decided we would try a little photography at night with the city skyline in the background. It was a lot of fun, and I think the pictures have a really interesting look!

Here's what I wore:

Shirt (J. Crew)

Necklace (World Market)

Belt (Vintage via Street Scene)

Skirt (Vintage via Goodwill)

Heels (Target)

Bag (Coach Outlet)

I Wore: Straight Hair

I don't know about you, but it's difficult for me to get my hair to cooperate. Following the true "grass is greener" saying, I have curly hair, and my dream is to have perfectly stick-straight hair. So, on the rare occasion that my hair actually is that straight, I have to document it. 

Here's what I wore to dinner with the family:

Shirt (Old Navy)

Skirt (Gap)

Blazer (American Eagle)

Boots (Urban Outfitters)

Clutch (Forever 21)

Inspired: Writing Rainbows

Something cheery for your Monday morning! This amazing typewriter types color instead of letters, creating amazing paintings. What an incredible way to create art...and how can I get one?

THE CHROMATIC TYPEWRITER

“What a lovely new use for an old gadget. Washington-based painter Tyree Callahan has modified a traditional typewriter and turned it into a painting machine, or “Chromatic Typewriter”. Callahan submitted the beautiful typewriter as part of the 2012 West Prize competition, an annual art prize that’s determined by popular vote. The keys on the vintage 1937 Underwood Standard typewriter have each been replaced with a different pad of color to give some rather interesting results!” - wetheurban

Found via: Emphasis Added!

I Wore: Go Team!

Hello Belles and Beaus! I took brief break from blogging over this busy weekend. I got to spend some much needed time with my mom and sister. One of my favorite things to do is cheer on my alma mater, the University of Kentucky. I almost wish I could go back to college, just for the student tickets...especially now that the basketball team is ranked #1! (Sorry Louisville friends, just had to brag on my team a bit!)

So, of course, I was thrilled when my sister snagged us a spot in the student section. I got to re-live my college years and cheer on the team to another victory! It was amazing. 

What I wore to cheer on my team:

Necklace (World Market)

Cardigan, Shirt, Belt (J. Crew)

Jeans (Gap)

Foam 3Fingers (FREE!) 

Editor's Note: My sister noticed her apparel wasn't documented.

So, accordingly, I give you...

What Ali wore to cheer on the Cats!

Shirt (Wildcat Warehouse)

Cardigan (Target)

Blue Jeans (American Eagle)

Earrings, Bracelets (Ecuador)

Random Reblog: Morning Cupcake

When I saw this on Project Gadabout, I just had to repost it. Too funny...and true! It immediately made me think of my sister, who has a love-love relationship with cupcakes. (Which I completely approve of, as her designated taste-tester!)

So, Ali, this post is for you...and all the other belles and beaus who enjoy a little dessert for breakfast!

(Image via Project Gadabout) 

Inspired: Artwork

Loving this painting...that little pink dress is too perfect!

(Image via: www.jones-terwilliger-galleries.com)

Inspired: A Downton Valentine's Day

The entire Folk Magazine staff, along with the rest of the world, is currently obsessed with Downton Abbey. The show revolves around wealthy British nobility and the servants who live in a manor house in England. It's pretty much everything I could want in a show- the 1920s meets Jane Austen meets Gosford Park. 

An artist created these amazing Downton Abbey Valentines, so I thought that in the spirit of the holiday I would share these with you! 

This one of Thomas is my favorite! Too funny.

(Images via chad-thomas.com)

Which one is your favorite?

         

Dream Closet: Valentine's Day

I'm usually not into making a big deal about Valentine's Day, but it's always fun to
dress up...for any occasion! So, I picked out some cute pieces that I would wear if the
internet was my closet. I love ladylike pink and red dresses, accented with a fun
clutch and jewelry. And, of course, any excuse to throw in a few accessories with
bows!

If you've got somewhere to go with a special someone, or a fun night with the girls,
throw on something festive and celebrate!

(Or chill in your sweats and watch a movie, that's cool too!)

Valentine's Day by bowtiedbelle featuring gold rings

MSGM lace cocktail dress, £380
Pleated dress, $75
Tara Jarmon wrap dress, $390
Elie Tahari patent high heels, £270
Miu Miu leather high heels, $990
Anya Hindmarch fold over clutch, £350
RED Valentino leather clutch, £195
Sequin gold plated ring, $58
Miu Miu pearl crystal necklace, $695
Christian Dior gold ring
LORD & TAYLOR square earrings, $350
Diamante Studs, $13

I Wore: Snow Leopard

I'm usually very hesitant about animal prints on anything other than shoes. I don't know what it is about them, but I usually tend to avoid them. The exception is this cardigan, which I picked up for super cheap at Ann Taylor last year. It's different from the regular leopard print...more of a snow leopard. 

I took a brief break from working on advertising to snap a couple of pictures of my walk on the wild side. 

Cardigan (Ann Taylor)

Top (J. Crew)

Pants (American Eagle)

Boots (Urban Outfitters)

Inspired: Prep Date Night

I don't know if you've seen these lovely images floating around the web, but they are simply prep perfection! An adorable winter date night in the Northeast, complete with an adorable dog? Yes, please!

Love everything about this picture: precious dog, duck boots, plaid, the beach...the list goes on!

Maybe I posted too many of these, but they were all just too perfect. To check out even more of this shoot, click on the link below!

(Images via: www.penfieldusa.com)

At Work: Signs of Spring

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring. I have been since December. One of the great things about working as the Features Editor for Folk Magazine is that I am already surrounded by amazing Spring flowers, decorations, and stories. The magazine industry is always a season ahead, so we're already living like it's time for pastels and Easter eggs. 

Enjoy our Issue IV Cover that celebrates that Spring feeling. As for me, I'll be breaking out the shorts and sandals!

I Wore: Snow Day

There's nothing more fun than a snowy day in the Southern United States. We just don't know what to do with ourselves when it snows. One inch of snow is the equivalent to buy-out-everything-in-the-Kroger-we're-going-to-get-snowed-in! Then the snow doesn't even stick, and it's gone by the afternoon.  I'm not sure how I would survive in the North.

On snowy days, there's nothing I love more than making french toast and a cup of coffee, lighting a fire in the fireplace, and curling up with a good book. The next best thing? Heading outside to admire the scenery, all bundled up in cozy layers...coffee in hand! 

A rare day of wearing glasses: 

Blazer, cords, top (Forever 21)

Watch (Fossil)

University of Kentucky signet ring

Scarf (Wal-Mart: Yes, I confess.)

Belt (Target)

Boots (Urban Outfitters)

Red Lips/Nails (Revlon: Flame and Revlon: Craving Coral)

Welcome.

Hello Belles and Beaus!
This is my blog about my favorite things- fashion, style, and life in the South. 
Hope you'll come on this little adventure with me!

(image via: http://sayyestohoboken.com)

Love,
    Gina