If there is one thing I love doing- it is getting dressed up. Working from home has made my daily routine much more casual than it used to be, so I jump on any opportunity I get to dress-to-the-nines and head out of the house.  Whether it is a girls night to a champagne bar or a classy date night out with my hubby, I love getting all done up.

This Type-A girl is a planner- so planning my outfits is all apart of the fun of going out. And while the outfit itself makes for a fun night, so do fabulous accessories to tie the look all together. I love to add a blingy pair of statement earrings, a bold lip, and a fancy clutch to make my entire look date-night ready. And this marble acrylic clutchfrom Marleylilly does just that. It is the perfect size to fit the necessities. Yes, I am able to fit my phone, lipstick, credit cards and ID, AND a powder compact all in that handheld box of perfection.  Plus, its neutral tones allow it to match any outfit. AND FREE MONOGRAMMING!

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on being glam. Marleylilly has some fabulous pieces, just like this gorgeous marble clutch, to spice up any look, all while saving your pennies! As you can see, this acrylic marble design with a metallic scripted monogram totally gives a classy vibe. Because everything is better when it’s monogrammed!

Paired with a fabulous dress, some pumps, and a smile, you will be feeling yourself all through the night with your man or best girlfriends AND a monogrammed clutch from Marleylilly!

Be sure to visit MarleyLilly.comto discover more monogrammed accessories perfect for any occasion.

*This is a sponsored post brought to you by Marleylilly. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience.*

A staple to every woman’s closet is a Little Black Dress. If you don’t have one- YOU NEED ONE! Not only does black favor the figure well, but it also goes with just about anything! Whether you’re dressing it up, making it casual, or needing a pop of color, a LBD is totally necessary. Plus, it’ll totally make you feel like Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O, which is every girl’s dream!

This LBD from the Julie Brown NYC collection at Swanky Shoppe is one of my favorites! Not only is the fit so flattering with the A-line style and synched wait, but tweed material makes for a classy look. And the gold metallic worked into the tweed I just can’t get enough of! Can we say GLAM?? It doesn’t get much better than that. Plus, it just gives me another reason to wear these totally crazy gold booties. Eccentric, I know- but totally FABULOUS!

I absolutely LOVE the collections from Julie Brown NYC. And thanks to Swanky Shoppe, I can shop these pieces in-person. And today and tomorrow, Swanky Shoppe is celebrating their Julie Brown Trunk Show by offering BOGO HALF OFF the Julie Brown NYC pieces. These styles are not only trendy, classy and totally fabulous- just like all of you! So head over to Swanky Shoppe to take part in this FABULOUS before the Trunk Show ends at closing on Saturday, October 20th at 4PM.

*This is a sponsored post brought to you by Swanky Shoppe in Elizabethtown, KY. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience.*

The North is a direction. The South is a lifestyle

As a young girl born and raised in Kentucky, I was taught the ways of the South. My mama didn’t raise no fool- and because of that, I have instilled in me a way of life fueled by sweet tea, biscuits, and bourbon. 😉

When Swanky Shoppe reached out to me to build a collaborating relationship, I knew it was a definite yes! Not only it this local store ran by two fabulous women with go-getter attitudes, which I can totally relate! Plus, their brand encompasses the style of a true southern woman- with ruffles & pearls galour, sweet home decor, smockings for the kiddos, dapper garb for the gents, and so much more. 

And one of my favorite brands they carry is Draper James.  It is so exciting to have access to this well-known brand in my small hometown. Reese Witherspoon knew what she was doing when she started this name, and I’m obsessed her versatility in style. Along with her fabulous clothing brand, Reese curated a fabulous book, Whiskey in a Teacup, detailing all things southern- between recipes, parties, style, and stories seeping with tradition.  

And in honor of her new release, I am sharing my own version of this Southern bible with 10 things I have learned from being raised in the South, all while rocking a Draper James outfit, courtesy of Swanky Shoppe!

1. Hospitality

Between whiskey, wine, and line dancing, us Southerners know how to party! And growing up, I witnessed my mother host all sorts of events, always carrying them out with such ease. She consistently welcomed in our guests with a sense of hospitality, and I always strived to do the same. The way to any Southerner’s heart is through food, and whipping up the best meal always makes for a great event. And when you add festive drinks, decor, and of course A THEME, then you have yourself a PARTAYYY.

2. I don’t have an accent, y’all do

There is one thing EVERY southern girl has, and it is a southern drawl (and a strand of pearls, but I will save that for #3). Y’all, bless your heart, as all get out, over yonder: just to name a few souther-isms. But there is something so endearing about the voice of a southern gal. The accent is full of love, comfort, and a sense of “home”.

3. When in Doubt, Overdress

You know when you’re going to an event, and your girlfriends always ask, “what are you planning on wearing?” Because no one wants to seem to out of place! But my advise is always this: when in doubt, always overdress. Because it is better to be overdressed than under! Something a southern girl always takes pride in is her fashion sense. We love to get dolled up, with extravagant accessories, overdone hairdos, and make-up galore. Oh, and pearls go with anything- faux, real, whatever floats your boat.

4. Monogram Everything

During adolescence, when a girl has a major crush on the cute boy in class, she usually daydreams of being a wife. She will scribble her name on her paper, and add his last name to the end of hers. But us southern girls take it one step further. We draw out what our monogram would be, because if it doesn’t look right, that is a definite deal-breaker! If it isn’t breathing, we monogram it. Our bags, pillows, robes, sweaters, just about anything you can imagine, And thanks to Swanky Shoppe, I can get all my monogram needs personalized on just about anything! Follow their website HERE to check out their large selection on monogramable goodies.

5. Mind Your Manners

What is great about the South is the friendliness you encounter by just about everyone. We great each other with a smile and always say “yes, sir” or “yes ma’am”. Our parents taught us to always behave, especially in public, or else we would get a whoopin’ when we got home. We write thank you notes every chance we get, because that’s proper, y’all. We aren’t just a buncha hillbillies- we know etiquette just as much as Queen E herself.

6. The bigger the hair, the closer to Jesus

I grew up watching my mom wear velcro rollers each and every day. It gave her the extra volume she needed and curl she didn’t naturally have. Accompanied with an excess amount of hairspray, this southern girl knows how to tease her way to heaven!  Not only is our hair big, but so is our hearts for Jesus. We may drink a little, but we sure do love our Lord! As a southern girl raised Christian, I walk by faith. Without my God, I am nothing, and I think the Lord each and every day for his mercy and grace.

7. Mama Knows Best

Speaking of Mama, every southern house is ran by a strong, southern women. She shows love through home-cooked meals, knows when to fight back and when to show compassion. She is well put together, and never sleeps. Everyone minds her and always hugs her goodbye. This woman goes by Mama. While I may be Daddy’s girl, I always looked to my mom for guidance, especially when it came to learning how to be a lady. She knew how to cook, how to throw a dinner party, and always dressed with great style. A lot of who I am now I attribute to my momma.

8. It’s A Family Tradition

Every family has their own traditions. And they usually arise around the holidays. As a typical southern gal, Christmas decor goes up on November 1st! I am obsessed with this winter holiday and love to go all out! Here in the south, we love to be “extra” with our Christmas traditions. Christmas is the best time of year. And with that come lot of traditions. Each and every family has their own way of doing things, which makes us all positively unique. I love hearing all the different traditions for all different families, as it gives me new ideas for which to add to our family.

9. Raised on Sweet Tea and Mint Juleps

One of my favorite memories growing up is spending summer days at my grandma’s house, playing outside and swimming in their pool. And a big glass of iced sweet tea always accompanied these hot days. My grandmother makes the BEST sweet tea: strong, sweet, and southern (just how I like my men 😉 ). No one can surpass my grandmothers recipe, and I look forward to having a glass every time I go and visit.

Are you really southern if you don’t put 2 lbs of sugar in your tea?! And are you really from Kentucky if you don’t like Mint Juleps? This Southern gal isn’t just raised on sweet tea, but also on mint juleps. Being in the heart of Bourbon Country, this Kentucky Kocktail is a classic, and especially enjoyed during the 2nd-best holiday of the year: the Kentucky Derby. Inspired by a combination of these 2 southern specialties, below is my recipe for a twisted tea you will love all year long!

10. Whiskey In a Teacup

And finally, being a southern women isn’t just about being raised in the south. It is about fighting for what you believe in. While we agree with chivalry, we thrive off independence, because Mama didn’t raise no fool. Being a southern woman means being strong-willed, not backing down, and making your voice heard. We may be delicately put together on the outside, but on the inside, we can kick your a** like whiskey does!

| Outfit Details |

You can shop this look by visiting the Swanky Shoppe in Elizabethtwon, KY or by placing a phone order by calling 270-307-6367. And while you’re at it, visit their Instagram HERE and give them a follow.

*This is a sponsored post brought to you by Swanky Shoppe in Elizabethtown, KY. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience.*

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a shopping party at the fabulous new Kendra Scott store in Oxmoor Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This was my first time visiting the store, but it DEFINITELY will not be my last. The store had this gorgeous ora, so much so that you could spot it from a mile away. And the girls that work there are absolutely FABULOUS. Seriously, the sweetest girls, so much that it made me want to put in an application. Are y’all hiring?

Because this store was so big, they had lots of gorgeous pieces to choose from. My personal favorite- the Diane Gold Statement Earrings in Gold Filigree (featured in my look). Because I am such a golden girl, these babies caught my eye right away. Plus, they are a statement, so I couldn’t pass these up! They are available in silver and rose gold as well, so you can grab your favorite pair HERE. And the matching cuff bracelet is totally on my wishlist! Here are a few more of my faves featured in the store currently.

Shopping Party Faves

| SHOP MY LOOK |

It was such an honor to work with such a fabulous brand and hang with all the Kendra ladies. So the next time you’re in Louisville, hit up the Kendra Scott store in Oxmoor Mall.

After moving twice in the past year, I have found that it is definitely not for me! And you would think this Type A girl would have it all together, but that is a total misconception.

It seems like the most recent craze has been all about graphic tees. Thanks to Pinterest & Etsy, these clever wearables are the hottest thing! And I am totally jumping on that train.

Summertime is officially here! And if you’re anything like me and haven’t had a chance to get your Vitamin D naturally from the summer rays, I have your solution. I’m proudly partnering with Sun Tan City to provide you with that perfect summer glow.

When I say shopping is a hobby- I ain’t lying. (Just ask my husband 😉) But I would also consider this hobby a skill. It isn’t easy shopping on a budget. I work hard for my income, so I am not one to waste it all away on a pricey piece just for the “brand”. However, I am willing to use all the shopping secrets I have stored over time that allow me to get all my favorites within my budget.

A few weeks ago, I went a little crazy at J. Crew Factory. Oops!! But I snagged some awesome deals that I am so excited to share with y’all! And right now, their entire site is on sale- plus an additional $25 off all $100+ orders using promo code MORE.

My favorite purchase from this haul is this ADORABLE pink and orange plaid skirt from J. Crew Factory. The peplum-fit is so flattering and bright colors are so much fun!

One of my favorite times to shop is during Memorial Day Weekend. The sales are at an all-time high and are perfect pickings for summer attire hauls. It’s like Black Friday, but in the summer!