Quality Time

Purple top from Gladiola Girls- Boone, NC/ Chico's Outlet belt/ Lucky jeans/ BCBG flats 

Photo Credit: my sweet grandparents 

A weekend or two ago I got to spend some quality time with my grandparents (one of two sets).  It was so nice.  Nanna showed me what she had been painting recently and Papaw cranked up the model A (that he has had since he was a teenager and has taken apart and put back together again, I don't know how many times) for blog pictures!  It made me think about how lucky I am to have TWO sets of great grandparents that live NEAR me and I actually have a relationship with.

I am so blessed.

Pretty in Peplum

 Earrings from Lucky Penny- Boone, NC/ Urban Outfitters top/ Necklace from MC Adams- Boone, NC/ DKNY skinny jeans/ Bamboo flats from MC Adams- Boone, NC

Photo Credit: Austin 

I figured if Kendi Everyday can wear peplum.... then SO CAN I.  

I think a peplum top is something you can't pair with shorts (shorter hemline skirts might be a different story, but.... ), so this particular top allowed me to show just enough skin, during this "is it summer still? or fall?" period.  Also, I love the crochet inset on this top and felt like the cut was really flattering.

All I am saying is give peace peplum a chance.

One Year Blogiversary

Last Labor Day was my first Soulstitches outfit post ever! I can't believe it's already been a year!

Looking back, here's a few of my favorites from the past year:

September: The 411 On No White After Labor Day

October: Truly Vintage

November: HNC goes to NYC

December: Deals and Steals

January: My Happy Place

February: Pick-Me-Up Pants

March: Eyelet-Inspired

April: Have You Been There?

May: Happy Days Are Here Again!

June: The LGD

July: The 4th, Fashion, and Fun

August: Boots and Bows

Thank you so much to my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me this past year.... I wouldn't have been able to keep up with this blog for a whole year without you.

Also, thank you to my followers....I really appreciate you taking interest in my blog.

I'm excited for another wonderful year! 

Billy Madison Blues

It's that time again......

"Back to school..... back to school.....

to prove to Dad I'm not a fool.....

got my lunch packed up and my boots tied tight....

I hope I don't get in a fight......"

(Billy Madison)

 Necklace from Elementality- Asheville, NC/ Mossimo Co. tank top from Target/ Belt from Lucky Penny- Boone, NC/ Skirt from Minx- Asheville, NC/ Wedges from Tops for Shoes-Asheville, NC

Photo credit: Austin

The only good thing that came out of summer school was a couple A's and realizing that this building would be awesome for blog photos with a bright outfit.

Don't let the interesting architecture fool you.... this is for the school of business.

(A dull world compared to Apparel and Textiles classes).

A dull world where I spent my entire summer working on my Marketing minor.

Thankfully, fall semester (of my senior year!!!) brought lots of major classes...... now I remember why I'm here!

I hope everyone is having a great start to their semester or having a nice transition into the "real world."

Or if you're already immersed in the real world...... I decided this week, I'm not ready to join you.

23/7

Photo Credit: Austin

Downtown Asheville, NC

Earrings found at Buffalo Exchange-Plaza Midwood Area, Charlotte, NC/ Dress from Lucky Penny- Boone, NC/ Bracelet from Watsonatta Western World- Boone, NC/ Lucchese boots from Vaquera- Grove Arcade, Asheville, NC 

(Yay! An entire "shop local" outfit!)

Already wearing the toes out!

As you can see, I still haven't taken my boots off.

As my papaw would say, I've worn them "23/7"

(which leaves an hour to shower). Haha.

As for the dress, the more I look at it, the more glad I am that I didn't pass it up.

I tried it on one day and let it hang (til payday) and lucky for me, it was still there!

It goes perfect with my boots and is soooo comfortable.

Every now and then, you just need a good statement piece.

Staples are for squares.

Boots and Bows

Pulling a Ricky Bobby........

"I'm not sure what to do with my hands...."

Angel Court earrings from Vaquera Boutique- Grove Arcade, Asheville, NC/ Tee from Gladiola Girls- Boone, NC/ Chico's Outlet necklace/ J. Crew skirt (snatched up at Plato's Closet for $10!)/ Lucchese boots from Vaquera Boutique- Grove Arcade, Asheville, NC

Photo Credit: Austin

This is my first post using my new camera (my birthday present from Austin); and I must say, he's pretty good at using it.... I might just keep him even after the summer.

(I know he will be just thrilled).

I found these boots at Vaquera and I fell in l-o-v-e.

(Me? Falling in love with a pair of boots? No way.)

I walked away from them the first day I saw them (discouraged by the Lucchese exotic price tag) but I could NOT stop thinking about them.

The next time I was in Asheville, I went by to visit them.

(Don't judge me).

The only sizes they had left were a 7 and a 9 1/2. 

Of course. I'm a 7.

(Fate?)

I put a deposit on them, and also picked up my beautiful Angel Court earrings.

(The first time I was in Vaquera, the owner, Terry, was telling me all about Angel Court; created by two girls from fashion and art backgrounds--Angela and Courtney.  They make jewels inspired by the South, vintage pieces, and artists like Georgia O'Keefe. Right up my alley. Since then I have had the privilege to chat back and fourth with Angela and Courtney.  Not only are they really talented, but they are so passionate about what they do and are good to respond to people who love their product).

A couple days after my birthday, I was able to pick my boots and have worn them almost every day since then!  But it's hard not to, when they fit like a glove.

Moral of the story:  If you love it, it's worth the splurge.  It will probably last longer, and it will be more rewarding than having 10 things you only KIND OF love (in comparison) from a lower quality retailer.

Second moral of the story:  If you're ever in Asheville or live in Asheville, go visit Vaquera.  Even if you don't buy anything, seeing the boutique is a unique and inspiring shopping experience.

Bele Chere Street Style

Cover-up from Dillard's/ J. Crew Outlet tank/ Lucky Brand Necklace/ Free People shorts/ Lucchese boots/ cheap sunglasses

Photo Credit: my mom

Bele Chere in Asheville, NC.

As promised, this is my Bele Chere post! I promise to stop living in the past in my next post.  

As much fun as it was, I do not wish to rewind, because that means I'd have to live through summer session finals week a second time.... (Accounting is not something I would suggest squeezing into a summer class!)

So only 356 days til Bele Chere 2013!