SO "RAD"

Chico's Outlet vest/ Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet tank/ J. Crew Outlet belt

(Can you tell I live near some outlets?)

Necklace....borrowed from Mom/ Ring from Pier 1 Imports/ Turquoise bracelet from Watsonatta Western World- Boone, NC/  Leather wrap bracelet from Vintage Moon- Asheville, NC/ Gap skirt/ Rainbow flip-flops

Photo credit: my summer stand-in photographer, Austin

And by "RAD" I mean.... River Arts District of Asheville, NC.

In case I haven't already convinced you, Asheville is one of the coolest places in the U.S. of A.  

It's home to tons of cool paintings and graffiti, as shown on this particular building.

There's a few little places to shop and a neat independent textile place.... but best of all, RAD is home to 12 Bones Smokehouse--serving the best barbecue in town....and my personal favorite, jalapeno cheese grits.

If you don't want to take my word for it, just know that Barack and Michelle Obama ate there while visiting Asheville.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Welcome To The Farm

Earrings from Lucky Penny/ Dress and belt from Virtue - Asheville, NC/ Lucchese boots

Photo credit: my sweet Nanna

Welcome, welcome to my favorite place on planet Earth!  I grew up following my great grandpa, Papaw Shipman, around this farm.  We shucked corn on the porch and ate grapes fresh off the vine... and if you've never done that, you're missing out!  He also taught me to key to solving the wooden triangle peg game (yeah, the one you can play at your table at Cracker Barrel) and took me on countless rides on his tractor--back when I was sporting my Spice Girls photo tee.  Rehashing all the sweet memories to you could never describe all the fun I had with my first-ever best friend, Papaw Shipman.

You can see here some of the photos I have framed on my fridge.  I sure do miss him!

My "Shabby Apple" Six

I have just recently been introduced to a vintage-inspired company called SHABBY APPLE and I just HAD to share with you all the cute things that are on my wish list!

First of all, these Tiffany blue bow heels. SUCH a perfect color for summer.... not to mention, I love the bow. I'm a detail-oriented person.

TEA AND CAKES heel, $129.00

Another bow.  The perfect detail to a simple, staple black pencil skirt!

 FRANCINE skirt, on sale for $37.60

I also loved this sunshine yellow chiffon blouse!  You can't tell well from this picture... but the sleeves tie at the elbow, which sets it apart from another yellow blouse you might meet on the street.

 BISTRO blouse, $54.00

 More Tiffany blue, but this time in necklace form.  So simple and sweet, but what I loved most about this necklace is that you can choose between 16" or 18" chain! 

KAI necklace, $40.00

Lauren Conrad said not too long ago that a shirt dress was 1 of 10 of the must-have dresses for every woman's closet! Well Shabby Apple has got several to choose from, but this one is my personal fave.  I love it paired with the red accessories.  The only thing that would make it better is if the sailboat and sunny day came with!

OVERBOARD dress, $95.00

Shabby Apple even has home goods and gifts, like these adorable fridge magnets!

PRETTY BIRD magnets, $17.00

Check it out for yourself and tell me what's on YOUR wish list!  

Happy shopping!

Happy Days Are Here Again!

I'm so so so sorry I have neglected you all for so long--- a week and a half now.  I'm sure many of you can relate when I say I have been finishing up with exams, celebrating Mother's Day, and enjoying the first sweet days of summer!

Necklace from Chico's Outlet/ Dress from Lucky Penny/ Target heels/ Lucky Brand statement ring

 Photo Credit: Austin, my summer-stand-in-photographer

 In case I haven't already mentioned it, I work at a Chico's Outlet.  We got this necklace probably in November and it has been priced at $5.97 for the last two months.  I finally admitted my like for this gaudy thing and my manager said "If you can figure out how to wear it, then go for it."  If I do say so myself, it I think it looks pretty cute with this dress!

 Here, I have to brag on Austin.  You explain to the boy the rule-of-thirds ten minutes ago, and this is what he comes up with.  Pure fashion blog, compositionally awesome, phone photo magic.  So my camera died, and he knows nothing about photography and this is what he comes up with.  Lucky me. 

I promise not to neglect you guys for that long EVER again.

At least until fall semester starts.

Trading Places

Meet Mekenzie.

She is usually the one behind the camera but she was kind enough to model for me this week!

Jeans from JC Penny/ Old Navy boots/ Shirt--an original design by yours truly :) 

Fabric & trim from Mary Jo's in Gastonia

Isn't she cute?

As promised in my "S" is for... post, this is the shirt that I made for Spring Showcase this past semester!   I am pretty pleased with how it turned out and I plan on reusing the pattern and experimenting with prints and trims.  I must admit, it was strange being on the other side of the camera, trying to think like Mekenzie; but I'd say we both did pretty well.