Don't Look Now

As I was going through the pictures for this post.. I realized in all of the good photos, I wasn't looking at the camera. In the ones where I did actually look, it was either really out of focus or my hair was doing some crazy. Probably because it was way too windy to even be taking outfit photos, and also because I was trying to squeeze them in between my Lingerie Party and dinner with Curtis. I'm tellin' ya, I can't take outfit photos if I'm in a rush.. they always turn out really awkward. So, sorry for not looking at you guys in most of my photos, I promise those smiles I'm smiling are for y'all! :) 

Top: TJ Maxx | Skirt: A-Town (Austin, TX) (similar) | Belt: New York & Co. | Flats: Forever 21 
Like I mentioned above, I had my lingerie party this weekend, it's the last of all of my bridal parties.. whew, there have been so many! It was a small affair, but I enjoyed it so much. This is the outfit I wore, I wanted to keep it classy, but somewhat casual as well. I've only worn this skirt once before (you can find that here), but I wish I could wear it every day! It's such a good length, and I'm absolutely in love with the color. If there's one thing I seriously lack in my closet, it's color, and I'm striving to avoid buying clothing articles in neutral tones and go for some in colors that make me happy. I paired the skirt with a top that I've had for quite sometime, but I just hadn't gotten around to wearing. It's one of those blouses that looks much better tucked in, so I'm going to have to figure out a way to wear it with pants. It has a fun button detail on the back that I wish I had remembered to photograph, but maybe next time!
I'm planning on writing a rather long blog post/rant sometime later this week or maybe next week about blogging and what it means to me.. along with some other opinionated views on blog criticism. I won't go into too many details, but let's just say, I found some things that made me sit down and think for a moment (okay, way longer than a moment) last week, and I'd like to share it with y'all. I'm also doing another vlog.. so you know, be ready for that..ha. 
I did a little Q&A post for Alexandra of Beautiful in God's Eyes, that y'all should go check out. Alexandra's blog is so inspiring and has amazing photography, and even though I haven't been following long.. I know I'll enjoy getting caught up on all things Alexandra! Hope you're having a lovely Monday ladies! 
Linking up with: Plane Pretty, My Greatest Hits, Still Being Molly 

ps. What do y'all think about the new layout? I'm going to try and create a new header at some point. But, I just wanted your opinion, do you think it makes everything look too cluttery? I moved some of the tabs at the top over to the sidebar, is that too confusing? Lemme know!

Support

Let's take a second to be honest, I didn't come up with this outfit all by my lonesome.

Kay, that's over.

But seriously, I got the inspiration from Ashlyn's blog, Triple Thread (it's fantastic by the way). Once I saw the first photo I became instantly obsessed with the entire outfit, and the best part? I had similar pieces in my closet to come up with my own version. Oh, yeah, black loafers were one of my holes in my closet, and I picked these up from Shoedazzle for.. wait for it.. waaaait for it.. $0.43. Yeah, that happened. I had store credit and they were having an amazing sale. I really wanted to order these boots as well, but I had some restraint that day apparently. Anyway, I adore these loafers, and for that price, I'd love just about anything! Oh, you guys.. I won my first giveaway.. ever. I. WAS. AM STILL. SO. EXCITED. I'm the person that never ever wins anything, seriously, I don't. So when I entered in Shannon's giveaway for a $50 gift card to a Southern boutique, Red Clover, I did not expect to win -- especially because there were over 1200 entries, yeah, what? But, alas, I did! I'll let what I ordered be a surprise, so be on the look out.

I wore this to a dinner date with three of my favorite ladies. We grabbed burgers at a newer restaurant here in town, called Grub, it was truly the best burger I've had in a really long long time. I wish I had taken photos because the place was probably the coolest restaurant in town, I'll be sure to take some snaps the next time I go (I'm forcing Curtis to go as soon as humanly possible). We had tons of fun and left with happy bellies. So you know, if you're ever in CStat (I'm talking to you Texas people), check out Grub, you won't be disappointed.

I wanted to give a little shout out to two of the most fantastic women in my life. First, my mom. She's been so supportive of my blog, and absolutely adores reading it every day. It's pretty funny, when I went home last weekend, I walked into the computer area in the house and there she was, reading my blog. It made me so happy to know that she really does enjoy it, and that I'm not totally rambling on and on to the internet. I'm glad I'm able to be there with her everyday, even though I'm actually 90 miles down the road. Thanks momma, you're amazing. I love you so so much.

And second, to my best friend sister, Kelsey. She's definitely the only person I know in real life that loves clothes and shopping as much as I do. I'd totally help her start a blog of her own if we had time..or lived anywhere near each other. She sends me sweet sweet text messages all the time telling me how proud she is of me. I'm such a sap, I always start tearing up. But, I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful best friend, and I love you, seeester.

Hope y'all have an awesome Friday! Have you gotten any inspiration for outfits from another blogger recently? Or you know, if you want to get more serious, any support and inspiration for your blog from your loved ones? I'd love to hear all about it.

Linking up with: Casual Friday - Two Thirty-Five Designs 

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Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Tee: Target (exact)
Skirt: Forever 21 (similar {on sale}, cute option)
Belt: New York & Co.  
Tights: Wal-Mart
Loafers: Shoedazzle (exact)
Nails: Pure Ice - Silver Mercedes, OPI - Black Onyx
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