Beaux Monde Parti: July 2016

Sitting on the stairs of St. John the Baptist's Cathedral I watched as a gentle breeze blew through the negative spaces of nearby Oak trees. I love Savannah. This city has an eerily familiar image in my mind of a former home. Savannah Georgia is either the most welcoming and inviting of places or I just have a Southern Savannah Soul at heart. Large Oak trees provide a blanket of protection over the downtown area shading brick roads, grand stone fountains, and a charming history.

Savannah is the definition of Southern Charm. Simply sitting on these steps was a moment of great peace. The streets are quiet, the heat is heavy but the ambiance is alive. Due to the humidity I chose to wear white. No matter how little activity you participate in you're going to sweat and its going to show. I chose this charming Ann Taylor collared dress because its light weight, sleeveless, and when ironed has an effortless elegance.

(Forsyth Park, Savannah Georgia)

"A moment from the past is just that. Exist in the present." -Parti

(Cathedral of St. John the Baptist)

A lesson in French Gothic architecture and the architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin; a creator that headlined the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1870s. Other notable projects include high profile cathedrals (like the one above) commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church. A devout and religious man, Baldwin drew inspiration from a centuries old style of architecture most commonly seen in religious fabrications throughout Europe. French Gothic Architecture is erected in many forms and has evolved greatly over time. We know St. John the Baptist is a French Gothic styled cathedral due to its archivolt entry, widely flared jambs, the stapled rose window centrally positioned and many other characteristics.

Of course I had to bring along my trusty Kate Spade tote and polarized sunglasses.

Other notable qualities stapling French Gothic to the front facade of this cathedral is noticeably shown on the two side towers sitting protectively side by side. This image reminds me grandeur. Imagine two secret service agents standing shoulder to shoulder with the president forbidding entry to a threat. Each tower has a series of pinnacles all accompanied with a niche and decorative finial at the top.

I cannot complain because this was my first day on vacation and our first day in Savannah. To sum up this day in one word would be magical. I'll share the reason with you at a later date. Until then...
Happy Shopping & Traveling!

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Pain-Free Packing

Fashion

The first cardinal rule in choosing clothes to pack for a vacation is variety. The second, similarity and the third diversity. Sound contradicting? I'd think so… keep reading ;)

My goals for successful packing always includes how to pack the least amount of clothing and accessories (so I have less to lug around) while still appearing as though i've worn a different outfit for each day of the week. I consider variety as a translation to the type of items you choose to bring. If you only bring 1 type of clothing on a trip then there really is no way to mix, match and pair these items differently. Your best bet is to take a couple dresses, then a few options for tops and bottoms that can be paired easily. (The above dress doubles as a beach cover-up, a dress, or a long 'jacket' to pair with a shorter dress or shorts).

Similarity in clothing will be your biggest ally. Most of my clothing is flowy and not typically form fitting so I don't usually have issues with the cut or silhouettes when pairing items together. However, for any vacation i'll pick a few similar colors that will pair well together to add variety and in turn create diversity. This cognac knit cardigan can double as a second layer for chilly restaurants and nights on the beach or as another swimsuit layer. Hilton Head in particular is always on "island time." It is not uncommon to see people wearing only swimsuits, so if you make any effort to throw on another layer before walking into the Piggly Wiggly no one even glances twice.

This cute little nightie I bought for this trip is from H&M and it was only $14.99! Unfortunately it is currently out of stock however here are some other cute options;

Night of Your Life

Im a Unicorn

I can sleep in the nightshirt above or wear it as a casual shirt to grab salty water taffy and a drink at the tiki hut! Remember, you're on vacation! No fussing!

As far as we go with diversity, you can achieve this with a little something I always talk about; its called creativity! The hat above you've seen all over my Instagram (follow me if you have not already) which I wore bike riding around the island and to the beach. I love having the options to mix and match styles, patterns, and textures too!

My basic white denim shorts are easily one of my most dynamic pieces! You can go neutral with these shorts and wear all basic colors or you can pair it with a loud and proud top. The above and below photos show an easy transition from day to night. Changing out your accessories can do a world of difference if you do not have time to do a full outfit swap between afternoon shopping and dinner. I love the casual beach bag I have shown above! Its from Target, so versatile and only $40!
I've found some other great affordable options for you below;
Straw Tote $34.99
Patterned Tote $34.99

Once Upon A Time… yeah I forgot my shoes to that fancy Detroit wedding a few weekends ago so I stopped at a Detroit area Payless to grab some soul for my soles! Thats where I picked up these Kailey Ankle Strap Pumps. If you did not catch my wedding attire post you can still check it out here; How to Dress as a High Society Dress.

I hope this helps you ladies the next time you have to pack for something when you don't even know where to start! Have fun on your vacation, relax and recover under those rays. You deserve it, Pain-Free Packing is one more drop of sweat off your brow! Best of all

Happy Shopping!

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How to Dress as a High Society Guest

Entertainment

Wedding season is upon us and the best gift you could give to the ceremonial bride and groom would be to dress appropriately for their nuptials! All too often guests show up in inappropriate attire. Whether your outfit is too revealing, casual or outrageously ostentatious you want to dress well! Pretend you're attending Sunday morning church; i.e. Dress to Impress. OR read this post and consider these 3 simple guidelines I use when choosing an outfit for an event. Think about the occasion, the time and the place.

Consider the Occasion:

Whether you're attending a wedding, work dinner or party, a religious ceremony or celebration, a funeral or even your Sunday morning service, dressing appropriately will be more than appreciative.

If you are attending a religious event for a religion you do not practice or are unfamiliar with, checking with the host is the most respectful way to tackle this situation. Some religious events could require women to cover their legs, shoulders, and backs as a form of respect. So remember to consider the length of your outfit and to bring a cardigan as backup. Also consider the outfit's COLOR for each event you attend. This is mostly common sense; don't wear bright colors and patterns to a funeral and skip any outfit with predominantly white, off-white, or cream to a wedding. The bride will thank you!

Below I have a column of DONT's on the left DO's on the right!

Anthropologie Maxi Dress

Ann Taylor Lace Shift Dress

Consider the Time:

Time is a concept most people do not even consider and could be thought of in a few ways. What is the time of the year (or season), the time of day, and just in general "Is this the time to wear THIS outfit.?"

Most of the time I see people dress appropriately for the season but best to check to see if your event will be held outside. This way you can choose your outfit accordingly The time of day is best to consider for yourself. Unless a wedding invitation specifies a dress code, a day wedding is generally a bit more casual than an evening wedding. This may also designate whether or not you wear heels or flats or a long dress versus a mid or knee length dress. However, JEANS ARE NEVER APPROPRIATE. Unless your hosts invite you to kick back and wear your cow-girl boots and blues, its probably not the right time.

Lastly, is it the right time to wear the sheer black lace dress you bought from Nasty Gal last week? Probably not… I'd say as a rule of thumb for any public event being held in the honor of another individual or group, wearing a dress or skirt that is too short and/or too tight is not going to be well accepted. An important idea to remember is just to think and be considerate. Low cut tops or see-through material that will show your bra are just not appropriate.

Below I have a column of DONT's on the left and DO's on the right!

Nasty Gal Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Shabby Apple Mosaic Maxi Skirt

Consider the Place:

The place is really indicative to the first two rules. Where is your event being held? A church, temple, or a synagogue? On a beach, the top of a city sky-scraper or in a hometown country barn?

One thing all the above places have in common is decency. A beach or barn wedding may allow you to forego traditional dress clothes in exchange for lighter more breathable clothing in linen, cotton or silk. However, casual does not translate to what you'd normally wear on a beach or in a barn on any other occasion. If you'll be venturing to an our doors event think about the chance of rain, blistering sun, whether you'll be standing in the grass or on pavement and the possibility of a lot of wind (top of a high-rise in the city). Sinking heels, pit stains, see through fabrics when wet and fit and flare dresses that could blow with the wind and show a bit too much are just a few bloopers we all want to steer clear of!

Below I have a column of DONT's on the left DO's on the right!

Lulu's Laser-Cut Floral Dress

I really hope this helps you ladies! I know how daunting of a task choosing the right outfit can be. No stressing, I've got your back! ;) Not a huge fan of any of the above looks? I've attached a few more below!

Happy Shopping!

To prove that I practice what I preach… a photo from my friend's July 3rd wedding in Detroit. My friends Nicole and Peyton dressed impeccably! Notice the length of their dresses, the necklines and color? Total knock-outs! Remember to consider; the occasion, the time and the place and you'll be a knock-out too!

Similar options to our dresses are below (from left to right)
Nicole's black halter --> Nordstrom Aidan Mattox
Peyton's coral sleevless --> Small Treasures Big Talent
(Please read a previous post I wrote about a similar dress!)
Ally's blue fit and flare --> Chi Chi London Fit and Flare Dress