A Floral Tank and Free Time

 Earrings from Lucky Penny/ Free People vest/ Mossimo Co. tank from Target/ Lucky Brand necklace/ Many Belles Down skirt from Lucky Penny/ Corral boots

Photo credit: my "fill-in for my fill-in" ...Mom!

The best part about this vest.... it can be worn any season! I promise, you will be seeing it again.

I am happy to say I have finished my first summer session with 2 A's!  I am using this one-week-break (between summer school sessions) to go to the lake, work a couple days at home, and then go to the beach; and in the small time slots in between I am trying to fish, get my car inspected, practice some sketching, catch up with old friends from home, and spend time with family, of course. Funny how your time off turns into your busiest times! 

When I got home from the lake, my Nanna had left me a couple magazines on my bed because she knew that I would like the fashion-related articles in them;  but I was skimming some of the other articles and I found the quote "Take time to be a human being, not just a human doing," which isn't so relevant to me during the summer time, but I definitely feel like a human doing during the school year.  Just thought I would pass along the wisdom--something to keep in mind.

Anyway, next time you see me, I will be golden bronze!

.....and hopefully not burnt to a crisp.  

Flower Child

Photo Credit: Austin, my summer stand-in photographer

Green tank from Virtue- Asheville, NC/ American Eagle (blue) tank/ Charming Charlie belt/ Urban Outfitters skirt/ Turquoise bracelet from Watsonatta Western World- Boone, NC/ Lane Boots (Sweet Caroline)

 Lia Sophia Necklace/ Earrings from Azeeta Designs -Etsy.com

I got this skirt from Urban Outfitters (which meant nothing to me, at the time) in Washington, DC in 2004..... way before I knew it was foreshadowing a love for UO.  It's been in the back of my closet for probably... the last 6 years, but it was so colorful and comfy I just couldn't give it away.  Then it occurred to me.... "Just belt it."  It can make a huge difference in an outfit, and you can quote me on that.  Also, it may or may not be covering a missing button on my 8-year-old skirt... just between you and me.  

While we were walking around the gardens, enjoying some company on Father's Day, Mom snapped this picture of Austin being a good boyfriend.... a.k.a stand-in photographer :)

The LGD

Lia Sophia earrings/ American Eagle denim jacket/ Calvin Klein dress/ Lucky necklace/ Tiffany bracelet/ Corral boots

This crazy little kitty insisted on being in the photo shoot.

 Photo Credit: my sweet Nanna

Allow me to introduce the LGD..... it's the LBD, only green.  Remember this dress from my "Color Blocking Ain't Just For Easter Eggs" post?  I was reluctant to spend $119 on a Easter dress, but it has been so useful! As you can see I styled it differently here, but I was also able to make it professional for a class presentation.  If you need a summer staple piece, a dress in a solid, sophisticated color (a pretty pastel might be nice) that doesn't show too much chest would be a great pick!

White Skinny Jeans are IN!

Turquoise bracelet from Watsonatta Western World- Boone, NC/ The ring on the far left was a gift from my parents, so I'm not sure where it's from/ Spoon ring- my dad got it for me at a craft fair/ The turquoise statement ring was also from my dad, he got it at the Inn on Biltmore Estate- Asheville, NC

(He's a great gift-er!)

Lia Sophia necklace/ Ivy Jane top from M.C. Adams- Boone, NC

Free People skinny jeans/ Lovely People wedges from TOPS- Asheville, NC

Austin, my boyfriend & summer stand-in photographer has a brother named Justin; and I will always think of Justin when I wear white skinny jeans.  We were at "Downtown After 5" and out of no where he goes "You know what you need? White skinny jeans. White skinny jeans are IN right now," and continues to tell me about all the ones he has seen lately. 

It is a rare moment when Austin, Justin, or my own brother, Casey, want to talk about clothes... so I really savor the moment.

Moving along, I have really been trying to give my blog that "personal touch" lately... sharing a little more than just fashion.  So here's a little about my weekend in Instagram photos:

My adopted son, Waylon (Austin's dog) has been in a cone all the past week due to this nasty sore and fluid in his ear.  Don't worry, he's feeling better.

I was in Biltmore Park and picked up some "pity treats" for him.  He loved them!

I got home and my parents had been working out on the farm (the one from my "Welcome To The Farm" post) cleaning out the loft of the barn, and they found my great-grandmother's old sewing machine! I never knew her, but she must have been pretty cool if she loved my great grandpa half as much as I did and could sew!

(Vance Monument and reflection off the Biltmore building)

Me and Austin spent the day together Sunday.  We went to Homecoming at my church and spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around downtown.

(Yummy shrimp rolls and chili sauce)

We ate at my favorite place--Doc Chey's, for dinner.  It was the best day!

 I hope everyone else had a great weekend too!