A LOOK BACK: 2015

image via Pinterest via Etsy 

Where did 2015 go?! I feel like it flew by and I'm pretty excited about it! 2015 was an interesting year for me. I had some really amazing times, along with my fair share of hard times. Instead of dwelling on the negative times of 2015, I want to talk about the highlights of this year!

First things first - I started my blog! Granted, it wasn't until the middle of the year, but this year none the less. I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed blogging. I was definitely worried (as I'm sure all bloggers and aspiring bloggers feel) whether or not I would even like doing it, be able to keep it up consistently, if people would even take the time to look at my posts, how personal I should be, etc., etc., but so far, so good! I have high hopes for 2016 but like most good things - it takes time and work. If there's one thing I've learned from being a very new "blogger" - do it because you love it, or else it will show. 

Here's a look back at some of my favorite posts of 2015!

Scallops and Pearls - my first post!

Polka Dot Shorts 

Bright Shoes and Tassel Hues 

Let Freedom Ring 

Vineyard Vines Dress 

White on White 

Chevron Midi 

White After Labor Day 

Happy Fall Y'all 

Fall in Tennessee 

J Crew Factory Fair Isle Sweater 

Vineyard Vines Tartan Pants 

Merry Christmas! 

Second - I moved from Georgia to Tennessee! This one was definitely a surprise, while also a long time coming. My parents have always wanted to retire to Tennessee, but were just unsure of the real possibility. Lots and lots of prayer, thought, and house hunting were involved in making this decision and I think we (they) made the right one. My brother and I had recently graduated from college when they sold the house in Georgia and bought one in Tennessee, so I decided to come along for the ride and eventually my brother did, too. So, we're all up here together and I'm so thankful for that. I do miss Georgia a lot more than I thought I would. I left a small town that I grew up in my entire life (you know, one of those towns you get so sick of but always seem to keep going back to?...hello country song). I left some wonderful friends and family and everything that was familiar to me. As hard as it is to leave the only thing you've only ever known, it's so exciting to do something new! I've loved finding my 'favorites' here in TN and make new friends and essentially start my life whether I end up staying here or not. 

Third - I got to celebrate two beautiful friends marry their sweethearts! 

April 2015 

August 2015 

Fourth - I got a job. Like an "after college job." (yikes!) It's not my dream job, but it's a job and a start. Can't wait to see what the future holds! 

Fifth - My brother graduated from UGA! Go Dawgs!

Still so proud of you, John. 

I am so excited for what 2016 has to hold. I have so many goals I want to pursue and accomplish. I am definitely one of those "New Years resolutioners" and I'm proud of it! I love having goals and things I can check off my list. 

Here's to 2016! 

What are some of your New Years resolutions?

Stay sunny,

Katie

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A LOOK BACK: 2015

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My sweet Ace! Isn't he so handsome?!

Red lace dress // Khaki wool parka (also here) // Black suede heels // Pearl necklace 

Merry Christmas, y'all! I can't believe it's finally here! I feel like this Christmas kind of snuck up on me a bit, but I'm not complaining at all. This is by far my most favorite time of year. I had so much fun shooting this look and the best part- it started snowing in the middle of it! How awesome is that?! Yes, it's just teeny little flurries and it only lasted maybe an hour, but it was just perfect! It's also kind of weird because it's now 79 degrees out... #ChristmasintheSouth 

This is my family's first Christmas in our new house in Tennessee. It's definitely different not spending the holiday's with our friends and family back in Georgia, but it's fun to make new memories! This past Wednesday, my dad and I went to a Christmas candlelight service at the church we've been visiting. We had communion and talked about the birth of Christ- the ultimate gift (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-21). With all the lights, decorations, and gifts surrounding the Christmas season, we sometimes forget why and who we are celebrating. It's nice to be reminded because who doesn't get caught up in everything else? I know I do. I had to work until 6 last night, (my first Christmas Eve working...#yayrealworld) so when I came home my mom had dinner prepared and ready to eat! We ate and then opened presents. My family has always opened gifts from each other on Christmas Eve (that are wrapped and under the tree) and then Christmas Day we get to see what Santa brought. We like to end the night by watching a Christmas movie  (usually whatever classic is on) and bake cookies for Santa! 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

"And the angel said to them,

 "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 

When the angles went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 

"Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." 

Luke 2:1-21 

Merry Christmas- from my family to yours!

Stay sunny,

Katie  

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SNOWFLAKE CHRISTMAS SWEATER

Snowflake Christmas Sweater (similar) // Gingham Button down // Jeans // Sperry boots (old, similar linked) 

Y'ALL...Christmas is only 3 DAYS AWAY! When did that happen?!? I don't know about you, but even with the warm weather we've been having, I have been so much in the Christmas spirit this year! I've sung Christmas carols non stop, baked and decorated cookies, bought our first real Christmas tree this year, and have been wearing a Christmas/fair isle sweater every chance I get. I have to admit that I would love for it to be cold on Christmas day (and dare I say snow), but it doesn't look like it's gonna be in the cards this year. 

This sweater has to be one of my favorite Christmas sweaters. I got it at a Polo Ralph Lauren Factory store and it's a kids XL and fits just perfectly! I couldn't link the exact sweater, but I linked a similar one above that is very budget friendly. 

Along with Christmas sweaters, I've been wearing these Sperry boots so much! They are so comfortable and are fleece lined which makes them very warm. The red just pops so well and adds a little something extra to my go-to sweater and vest combo. Unfortunately, these are from last year but I love the new ones they have. Here are some with red in them and here are this year's version (love the green). A pair of red Hunter boots would also look great, too! 

Are you done with all your Christmas shopping? I'm still waiting on one more thing to come in the mail...whoops! 

Stay sunny,

Katie

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SNOWFLAKE CHRISTMAS SWEATER

VINEYARD VINES TARTAN PANTS

Have you ever seen a more perfect pair of holiday pants? I didn't think so! Vineyard Vines has outdone themselves this year with these! When I saw these in the catalog, I couldn't order them fast enough! Unfortunately, they are already sold out, but here is the other color in this pant that I'm dying to have!

Similar Vineyard Vines tartan pants // similar black shirt // Kate Spade purse // black suede heels // pearl bracelet // Kate Spade watch 

I think it's safe to say I have a serious thing for holiday tartan. It's classic, festive, and always a 'yes' in my book. Vineyard Vines always does a fantastic job of showcasing the best tartan of the season. You can check out The Tartan Shop here to see what all they have and maybe find that Christmas outfit you've been looking for! 

I found this adorable black blouse at the Loft outlet during the Black Friday sales. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I'm so glad I came across it! The sequined collar is the perfect festive touch and the ways to wear it is endless. I think it would look so cute with a midi skirt like this or this with heels. 

Are you ready for Christmas? It's only 10 days away! (I know, I can't believe it either!) 

Stay sunny,

Katie

  

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VINEYARD VINES TARTAN PANTS

TIPS TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL MORNING

When I started this blog, my main focus was (and is) to have style-related posts along with bits and pieces of my life along the way, which is what brings this post today! I wanted to share with you a few ways that help me have a successful morning and get my day started off on the right foot. Maybe these will help you, too. Here goes!

1. Wake up at least an hour and a half before you have to leave for the day. Obviously, every person is different, so depending on if you like to shower before bed or in the morning may change how much time you need in the mornings. I am personally a night shower-er, so an hour and a half gives me just the right amount of time to do everything I need before I leave the house.

2. Coffee. Enough said. Just kidding! Ha. Seriously, as soon as you wake up, head to the kitchen and make yourself some coffee or tea and fix a little something for breakfast. I always try to have a little something planned for breakfast, that way it gives me something yummy to look forward to while I'm still trying to wake up. I like to switch between oatmeal with blueberries with a half an apple and peanut butter or scrambled cheese eggs and toast with jelly or peanut butter (I love peanut butter), depending on what I'm in the mood for. I usually like to sit and drink my coffee/eat for about 30 minutes before starting to get ready.

3. Read. While I'm drinking my coffee and finishing off my breakfast, I like to read a little something just to get the wheels turning in my brain. I typically start off with the She Reads Truth app for a short devotion and have a time of prayer/journaling. A friend recommended the app to me and I love it! There are tons of different studies on there that cost $1.99+ each and it's a great way for me to spend my first thoughts in the morning with the Lord. Right now I'm reading about the women in the New Testament. Then I like to scroll on over to my First 5 app and read the verses for the day on that app. The First 5 is an app through the Proverbs 31 ministry team and it provides a little devotional to be read within the first 5 minutes of your day. I've also recently started reading the Skimm. The Skimm is a daily email newsletter that is sent out every morning that talks about the latests news and current events going on right now. It really keeps me updated when I fall behind on watching the news (can I get an amen?) or just totally miss something that's going on. It's pretty cool! And every once in a while I like to pull out a good old paper back book and read a few chapters! And I would be lying if I said I didn't scroll through all my social media outlets (hopefully after) once I've read through everything else. To be completely honest, this step is probably the one that gets put on the back burner the most. Lots of mornings I end up doing my reading on my lunch break or in the parking lot before I head into work. Sorry for the novel...moving on!

4. Shower and start getting ready. Like I said earlier, I like to shower at night, so at this point I start getting ready by putting my contacts in, putting on makeup, and fixing my hair. This usually takes me about 30 minutes. If I do shower in the morning, I like to give myself a full hour.

5. Music. Unless you really enjoy the quiet in the mornings, turn on some tunes while you're in the shower and getting ready! I love to have some music playing while I'm getting ready because it tends to put me in a good mood. Watch out for Justin Bieber though....that 30 minutes of getting ready might turn into a 45 minutes with an impromptu dance party...no, just me? ;)

6. Pick out a cute outfit for the day. I realize this one might seem obvious because why would pick out something that you didn't like to wear? I have days when I'm too tired to care or just don't have the time to put much thought into my outfit, but when you look good, you feel good! So, throw on that cute necklace or a fun pair of shoes that you love for a little extra ounce of confidence.

7. Lipstick. This may sound silly to some, but put on your favorite shade of lipstick. You will instantly feel more confident! I rarely go a day without my go-to neutral lipstick and sometimes I throw on a bold lip if I'm feeling sassy.

8. Pack a snack. Be ready with a pick me up when that afternoon slump hits hard! I always like knowing I have that little pick me up in the middle of the day if I need it. I try to pick something nutritious like a granola bar, yogurt, fruit cup, string cheese, or mixed nuts.


What are some things that make your mornings successful?

Stay sunny,

Katie

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TIPS TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL MORNING

J CREW FACTORY FAIR ISLE SWEATER

I don't know about you, but I'm so happy that it's finally the season to wear red all.the.time! About this time of year, you'll see me wearing at least some form of red everyday whether it be my lipstick, a vest, a purse, these adorable red Sperry boots, or my nails! I just feel like it's so festive!

My sweet baby, Ace! He was staring at another dog reluctant to take a picture with me. (haha!)  

J Crew Factory sweater // red vest (old but similar linked) // jeans // Sperry boots (last years but similar linked) // Kate Spade purse 

When I saw this J Crew Factory fair isle sweater online, I immediately put it in my cart because the colors are undeniably gorgeous (and festive!) and it has sequins on it...yes, sequins! J Crew Factory always does an amazing job on their winter lines! 

Another thing that drew me to this sweater were all the ways you can style it. My original thought when I purchased it was, "this will look great with all black." All the colors in the sweater would pop so well with black skinnies and black boots for a dressier, sleeker look. I don't typically wear a ton of black overall, but I love to wear it in the winter months with pops of color like red and royal blue. 

What's your favorite colors to wear during the holiday season?

Stay sunny,

Katie 

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J CREW FACTORY FAIR ISLE SWEATER

THE SOUTHERN GIRL'S GIFT GUIDE

I couldn't go through this Christmas season without doing a gift guide for the southern girl! I mean this is "a sunny side of southern" and all ;). So, to all you southern ladies or men out there looking for something to get your girlfriends, daughters, sisters, or cousins, look no further because I have you covered! 

Warning - it's a little lengthy but I've pictured and linked below each gift I think will be the perfect for your southern gal, so here goes! 

Acrylic State Pendant 

I don't know any southern gal out there who doesn't have a little bit of home state pride! I think one of the cutest things about this necklace is the option to engrave a heart into the city of where your southerner lives...the best personal touch!

Reversible Oversized Wool Wrap Poncho

This aztec print poncho is perfect for the southern gal who has a bit of western in her! The great thing about this poncho is it's reversible (2 for 1...whoo!) This would look perfect with a black or tan wool floppy hat and black over the knee boots...just my two cents ;)

Jeffrey Campbell 'Raylan' over the knee boot 

Speaking of over the knee boots...I'm in love with these babies! Are they not so chic?? I have a million different ways of wearing them racing through my mind as I type this but we'll leave that for another blog post! Ha! If you're not into black so much, these also come in taupe. 

Marley Lilly Monogram Crossbody/Clutch 

In my opinion, every southern girl needs a monogrammed purse! This Marley Lilly bag comes in many different color and monogram options to fit your perfect southern gal! 

Marla Cuff Bracelet

What more could a girl want...tortoise and pearls?! When I saw this bracelet on Bauble Bar, I just knew I had to have it! It's small enough for a cuff, versatile with all colors, and I think the pearls just add that southern touch. 

Sultra The Bombshell 1 inch curling iron // Iron Gator Titanium Styling Iron 1 inch 

I personally love to get hair products/tools for Christmas because I'm usually either in need of a new one or just want to try out a new tool! The Bombshell 1inch curling iron (it's just a barrel, so it's basically a wand) gives you the perfect wavy look and I'm a big fan Ion straighteners and their quality (the price tag isn't too daunting either!). 

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play // Hairspray // What a Tease Backcomb in a Bottle

What's the point of having styling tools with no styling products? My all time favorite hair products have to be Big Sexy Hair...the southern girl's dream ;) For as long as I have been doing my own hair, I've gone through quite the products. I've always wanted to try Big Sexy Hair but I'm not a fan of the price tag. Luckily for me, my aunt had a bottle and let me try it out...I've never looked back! Now, I've only tried the hairspray (which can be bought at TJMaxx for less but beware of shotty bottles) and I can only imagine how wonderful the other products are. For the southern girl, I've chosen the powder play (for those of you who love dry shampoo...this is essentially the same, but just gives your hair some texture), the hairspray, and the teasing spray for the ladies who love that big hair! 

Ribbon Letter Monogram Necklace 

I was a little on the fence about getting one of these when they first became popular because 1.) they're a bit pricey depending on the size you want, 2.) I couldn't decide between silver or gold, and 3.) how much would I actually wear it? Well, let me tell you...I probably wear this necklace 4-5 times a week and I always get compliments on it! It's absolutely beautiful, elegant and the perfect southern touch to just almost every outfit. I'm telling you ladies, you can't go wrong with this necklace! I went with the gold, but I'm dying for a silver one! (hint hint, mom ;) ) 

Lilly Pulitzer iPhone 6/6s in Let's Cha Cha 

For the southern gal who loves Lilly. This iPhone case is so cute in my favorite print - Let's Cha Cha! 

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette 

If there's one thing a southern girl loves (or any girl for that matter) is makeup! Give your southern gal a palette that is sure to last her a while with a variety of quality eyeshadows!

Vineyard Vines Gingham Pajama Set 

What is more southern than gingham? I love this pajama set from Vineyard Vines for the girl who loves her beauty sleep!

Lilly Pulitzer Riley Tassel Infinity Loop Scarf in Pooling Around 

Lilly and tassels...the perfect combo! I love Lilly scarves because they're light enough to wear in the spring and also adds a bit of brightness to those dreary winter months after Christmas! 

Moon and Lola Tortoise Acrylic Block Monogram Bangle 

Again with the tortoise (insert heart eyes emoji here). It's so versatile and the monogram is the perfect personal touch! 

Old West Boots LF1529 

I would be willing to bet your southern girl already has a pair of cowboy boots...but can you really ever have too many pairs? ;) I think not. Give her a fresh new pair of boots that will go with anything!

Draper James Oh my darlin' Mug Set 

I don't think I could speak more highly of Reese Witherspoon's new brand, Draper James. I love everything she comes out with, everything the brand stands for, and of course, all the southern touches. This mug is perfect for your coffee lovin' (or tea) Southerner! 

Acrylic Block Monogram Key Chain 

I don't know about you, but I have thing for key chains. And a key chain that is monogrammed...sold! 

Jack Rogers Monogrammed Sandal 

Get your Southern girl a pair of personalized sandals to go with her monogrammed necklace and cuff! Who said diamonds were a girl's best friend...give me a monogram! Also comes in other color options. 

 

Kate Spade Cedar Street Stacy Wallet 

If you know me at all (or read this blog), then you know how much I adore Kate Spade. I couldn't possibly go through this list without including something from this amazing brand. A few months ago, Kate Spade made this southern girl SO happy by adding a monogram option to there bags and wallets! For just $5 extra, you can personalize that new wallet or purse for your special southern girl. For this particular wallet, it comes in many colors! 

Kendra Scott 'Dylan' Stone Pendant Necklace 

I love to have jewelry that is 'everyday' jewelry. This necklace is just that. It's a little pendant (that comes in many colors) that is the perfect little dainty necklace. Kendra Scott has tons of jewelry options (big, small, bright and neutral) that you can't go wrong with whatever you choose! 

There ya have it, folks! I hope this guide has given you some ideas as to what to get your southern gal! 

Stay sunny, 

Katie 

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THE SOUTHERN GIRL'S GIFT GUIDE