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! 

Birthday Girl

Sorry I have officially neglected my blog for the past week....and a half.

I've been busy turning 21.

(Best birthday yet!)

And this is what I wore.....

Seven Swans earrings/ Scarf from Lucky Penny- Boone, NC/ Dress thrifted from Buffalo Exchange- Charlotte, Plaza Midwood area, NC/ J. Crew clutch ( a birthday gift-- from my sweet friend, Jordan)/ Lucchese boots

 It's safe to say I have the greatest circle of friends ever.....

Pack's Tavern, Asheville, NC.

 A gift from Austin--these beautiful Seven Swans earrings.

Seven Swans can be found at Minx Boutique- Asheville, NC

Also, it was Bele Chere this past weekend... my favorite weekend out of the year.

Bele Chere is a weekend festival in Asheville--there's craft vendors and music and food and weirdos galore.... I have outfit pictures from that too... but that post will have to wait until after my summer session finals on Thursday... wish me luck! (I need it!)

Sun-DIY

Necklace from Watsonatta Western World/ Threads 4 Thought tee/ Skirt (I made it!)/ Lucchese boots

Recently, we got a Jo Ann's in Asheville.

It's safe to say that mom and I spent 2 hours in there, during our first visit.

I didn't think it was the optimum place to get fabrics... at least, apparel fabrics (especially with Waechter's nearby and Mary Jo's in Gastonia), but I got lots of fun crafting stuff and one of my favorite things about Jo Ann's were these how-to handouts that were in almost every isle.

So I decided to try this cute little zip-2-3 skirt, first.

  

And I think it turned out pretty good.......!

 I'd be happy to share the instructions with anyone who is interested.

 Photo credit: Austin

Hope everyone has time to enjoy this beautiful Sunday!

#StyleMeJuly

 Victoria's Secret dress/ Chico's Outlet top/ Kensie girl sandals

Have you guys heard of the #StyleMeJuly Instagram challenge?  It's a fun way of forcing yourself to experiment with your closet.  Every day has a different theme so you don't have to wake up and spend 20 minutes trying to answer the question "What should I wear today?" 

....surely, it's not just me? 

The Style Me Challenge was created by Hilary Rushford of DeanStreetSociety.com.

If you would like to join, find the challenge of the day, take a photo of your outfit and hashtag it #StyleMeJuly.

 Today was {Day 15: Inspired by a friend}.

After you read someone's blog for so long, you start to feel like you're actually friends (or maybe I'm just speaking for myself)... so I picked Kendi from kendieveryday.com.  My outfit was inspired by her "Weekend Wear" post.  Not only is she stylish, but kind of hilarious.

 Photo Credit: Austin

Initial necklace from Carriage House on Biltmore Estate/ J.Crew Outlet belt

See other ways I've styled my beloved denim shirt:

Denim and Pearls

Friday Fun