Short to long

So I have decided that I am officially going to grow my hair back out.

I love it short but I'm ready for a change.

I've decided to go with something like this...



I just love the long look, how easy it was to maintain and how much more you can do with it.

Bye, bye short hair. Hello long hair.

We'll see how long this lasts.

XOXO

Sarah

Pretty Poses

Ok Belle's, you know how at the bar you always end up in some weird totally unflattering pose and you look like a drunken mess weather you really are or not?

Well, here is a posing guide to help you look classy and elegant even if you're a sloppy mess.



I'll try a few out this weekend when we go out for Girls' Night and I'll show you a few to let you know how it goes.

XOXO

Sarah

Style: Essentials

I am a basic kinda Belle. I love classic pieces, Blacks, straight-leg pants, with a little bit of sparkle and shine. I LOVE the classic looks with that pop of girly.

50 Key Essentials EVERY true Southern Belle should own.



This is my perfect style (minus all of the colors) and I love that it is broken down for each occasion such as summer, fall, winter, casual, date, and work.

XOXO

Sarah

From Yankee Boy to Southern Gent

For those who do not know, Hubs is originally from Michigan. And just a few miles outside of Detroit to be exact. When Hubs first moved from Michigan he talked like a Yankee, dressed like a Yankee, and acted like a Yankee. Needless to say, I did not like Hubs very much at all. But over time Hubs and I began to understand each others complete cultural differences. I became the Southern Belle that all of his Yankee friends LOVED and he became the Yankee boy who brought me out of my sheltered ways. I would say that overall, Hubs and I turned out A-OK!!

However, there was one thing that I was unable to change in Hubs. And that was his Yankee ways of dressing. For the longest time Hubs would't leave the house unless he was in baggy gym shorts, jeans 2 sizes 2 big, a ball cap cocked to the side, AND his beloved WHITE SNEAKERS!! It was a HOT mess. And not a very attractive one.

I don't even have a picture of Hubs to share during this time in his life that is how bad it is. Ok so I lied, this is the best picture I could find but even this does not do Yaknee Hubs justice.



It has been a SLOW, and when I say slow I mean 5 years too slow, but I have finally converted Hubs to the Southern Gent ways, in actions and in dress. It started first with turning his hat straight, buying pants that fit, and replacing the hated white sneakers with Nikes and overtime it has progressed to Khakis, Southern Proper, Otter Bay, and Clarks. We even replaced his Dirty Monte (a 1990 Monte Carlo) with a Trail Blazer and replaced his Yankee friends with Fraternity ones. He's now talking about buying a boat and learning to bird hunt. Overall, I would say the change has bee a successful one.

Just this weekend we went shopping and bought a few new items that Hubs picked out on his own will. And was actually excited about them. Please let me share of few of Hubs picks that I think every true Southern Gent needs.

First there is the Southern Proper (http://www.southernproper.com) Beau! This bow tie is featured in the Marlin fish. And matches my formal dress perfectly.



Then there is the OHHHH so soft Southern Tide (http://www.southerntide.com) t-shirt. Which, BTW, if no one has ever purchased one of these babies they are the softest t-shirt ever. This shirt Hubs picked features fishing lures. His step towards moving coastal.



And let's not forget the most perfect polo shirt from Otter Bay. Ladies, if you haven't yet PLEASE check out their ladies fit. It feels like a polo but wears like a t-shirt. HEAVEN!! And they come in amazing colors. (http://www.otterbayco.com)



And last but not least, CLARKS slip on loafers. A full conversion from White Sneakers to Sperry's to Clarks Loafers. This was a proud moment complete with a Horse Bit buckle. (http://www.onlineshoes.com)



I must admit Saturday was a proud moment for me. I love my Southern Gent Hubs!!

XOXO

Sarah

I love Theta Xi

Hubs is a Theta Xi Brother from the Gamma Phi chapter at Georgia Southern and every year we attend formal. And this year is no exception. Last night I bought my formal dress and arranged all of my accessories to follow in the mail in the next few days.

So I present to you, my fellow reader, a Southern Belle formal wear.



Ok, so I lied. Hubs' fraternity is more of a semi-formal look think mini cocktail dresses.

For formal this year I went with a longer, more fuller dress from Victoria's Secret. Go figure, right? And the shoes are Colin Stuart Espadrilles, also from VS, in gold! Paid with chandler gold earrings and a gold cuff from Piperlime by Kenneth Cole. Love! And of course, my newest obsession, Big Buddha, who made the beautiful gold clutch. Also from Piperlime and on sale!! I love my informal clutch so much I couldn't let this one pass me by.

For a formal sit down dinner and dance afterward I think this is a pretty awesome outfit. I'm super excited for it to all come in so I can wear it.

And let's not forget hair. Since I know have this awesome, short bobbed hair cut that is awesome with dry mousse applied I thought that the semi-messy "I meant for it to look this way" style would be great. Simple and easy! My kind of hair.

And please, a Belle must look just as stunning the morning after heavy drinking as she did enjoying the night. So I covered all of my bases and picked up a few things for the morning after. I figured we would all have to eat sometime, correct?



The dress is again a Victoria's Secret buy and is easy and convertible for a light pack and go over night trip. Plus paired with nothing it is a great, "I meant to look this way" dress. The shoes from AMAZING again from VS, and again Colin Stuart. I just love this brand of shoe. So comfortable, you wouldn't believe. And the bag, is why yes, Big Buddha. And perfect for a beach trip this summer! And this entire outfit will be paired with my Ralph Lauren Aviators and the dry mousse hair style. Easy enough.

April can not come soon enough. I am so excited to wear all of my new things! And to party with all of my Theta Xi boys. Hubs and I are trying to convince his Big and His wifey to join us for formal.

XOXO

Sarah

Swim Time

AHHH!! It's beginning to look a lot like SUMMER! And summer time means swim time and beach time and boat time and FUN TIME!

So in honor of warmer weather and sandy beaches in my future I want to show case a few Victoria's Secret beach sexy wear that I am just GUSHING over.

I love strips!



And this multi-color is awesome!



More strips!



And the seashells just remind you of the ocean so much that even a day at the pool with have you thinking of the beach!



I just love this crazy pattern!



The VS Push-Up is just AMAZING!! And so is the color!



Paisley! There is nothing else to be said.



Strips again in Halter!!



And of course, the best cover-up EVER!!



Oh please let me be beach bound soon!!

XOXO

Sarah

Seaside Ceremony

I'm so stinking excited that I just can't keep it in. My Bestie (who I won't name to keep her business, well her business) is planning a seaside vow renewal. And I'm so stinking excited, but I think I already said that.

I can only envision what her beautiful day would look like so I created a few inspiration boards to help picture her perfect day.

I'll start with Groom because I want to save the best for last, AKA the Bride.

Of course nothing says Seaside better than Vineyard Vine so I donned the groom from head to toe in this perfect seaside ensemble.



The shirt is the Sundeck Stripe Linen in white while the pants are the Twill Island Pant in Khaki. And of course you can't leave out the Madas Patchwork flip flop which can either be an option for the sand in your toes ceremony, but is a must for the reception.

I felt like the groomsmen (or man) depending on their choice of attendants could follow in suit of Groom for a casual but well-dressed look.

Next would come the bridesmaids (of again, maid) dressed from head to toe in my beloved J.Crew who knows how to do the perfect wedding attire.



For the dress I choose the Silk chiffon Taryn dress in a beautiful Bright Coral. Too often you see seaside weddings with Blues but why blend in with the waves when you can make a statement with them. The shoes, which again can be ceremony optional) are a beaded Cavo capri sandals in Neon Rose which to me is another name for Bright Coral. I choose a low bun and headband for the Maid(s) because with the wind from the ocean no one wants pictures with hair all in their face. And of course, I used a bouquet of mixed oranges, pinks, yellows, and greens.

And for the lady everyone has been waiting to see, I present you the Bride.



Bride is also dressed in J.Crew head to toe, do you see a pattern here?

I choose the Silk chiffon Arabelle gown. Chiffon is just such a flattering fabric. It flows, moves, and just sits. I feel like you can have a casual seaside ceremony but not look causal. Her shoes are the Fleur du jour capri sandals in sanddune and of course can be ceremony optional. With the help of this Rhinestone-encrusted sash in beechwood it helps to glam up the dress a little and to set her apart as Bride. And even seaside, no Southern Belle should be without her pearls and here Bride is wearing a multi-strand set. I choose a low, messy bun for Bride and here she can have the option to allow a few bang pieces to hang or to pin them back. And the flowers are a great mix of oranges, yellows, greens, pinks, and white. Such a perfect light and airy combination without all the traditional beach flowers.

This would be such a perfect way for Bestie to renew her vows seaside.

XOXO

Sarah

OPI: Shorts Story

I am SOOOO ready for summer so for my Saturday mani I used OPI Shorts Story. It is one of my all time favorite OPI colors and reminds me of warmer weather. And it is such a Barbie pink that I just love, love, love it!!



Dear Summer, PLEASE come quickly!

XOXO

Sarah

Golden Globes - Hot and Not!

I love the Golden Globes. I love everything that it stands for. It is the only award ceremonies that supports all areas of film entertainment TV and Movie, Foreign and Domestic. It carries such prestige. The Golden Globes are chosen by a panel of experts from all areas of film and are not always based on popularity, money, or actors. Screenwriters and plot lines are also taken into consideration. I feel like the Golden Globes is the best time for lesser known actors and actresses to shine and have their moment.

With that said there are just a few no-no's in my book when dressing for the elite Golden Globes. And here are a few of my rules...

No-No's



Hallie Berry: This is a no-no. Too much leg for one. This is such a classy even and this is more after party for the after party type of dress.



Michelle Williams: I thought "Dawson's Creek" went out years ago. No-no! This is shabby-trash not dinner party classic.



Natalie Portman: You are a beautiful, amazing, talented actress who will make a wonderful wife and mother but PLEASE do not do it in that dress. From the color, to the awkward flower embellishment Natalie just looked awkward. I'm not sure if being preggers in the spotlight made her uncomfortable or if it was the award show of a combonation for all of it but she didn't seem like her beautiful, graceful self last night. Either way, I say no-no to the dress.



January Jones: Ohhh girl, NO-NO!! First, January and Hallie must be going to the same after the after party and secondly, I am not a fan of matching the red carpet. Please put the shade back on the lamp and go home!



Helena Bonham Carter: Must I even say it but NO-NO!!! Bad girl! This is such a mockery of everything the Golden Globes stands for.

Ok, ok enough with the bad fashion and on to the ladies who know who to rock it with class (something ALL Southern Belle's should know about) so take notes ladies.

Let's start with a surprise pick...



Kyra Sedgwick: Now I think we all know how I fee about color. I like it few and far between and I always have. I prefer blacks, greys, and lots of neutrals with a few pop of colors here and there. But this dress, WOW!! The color is total perfection. (She's from 'The Closer', btw)



Sandy B... a lot of critiques knocked on this style for the Golden Globes and I agree it may not be the most stylish pick but it is very classy and put together look. I give her a "You go Girl" for this style.



Miss. Kelly Osborn has truly blossomed into a beautiful, sophicated lady. And she has made an amazing transformation and I admire her so much for her life changes. I would dub her an Honorary Southern Belle.



Jane Krakowski, now this is how I would consider a baby bump to be shown. She carries and embraces her bump. Such beauty is shown here. Perfection!! (Actress from 30 Rock from those who don't know)



Julia Stiles, where have you been and what have you been up too? It was amazing to see her out and glammed up and showing off her beautiful style. Pure perfection!



Olivia Wilde: Ballgown perfection. Glamour, glamour, glamour. (She is "Thirteen" from 'House' for those who are confused where this beauty came from)

And let's not forget the Gents of the night. My favorite winner of the night was Mr. Jake Gyllenhaal. Whom I have had a secret celeb crush on for years!!



Who were your No-No's and Beautiful Belle's for the Golden Globes? And which award show do you look forward too each year?

XOXO

Sarah

OMG!! Preppy!

OMG!! I have always been a fan of L.L. Bean but out side of the really awesome bookbag that EVERYONE toated around in Middle School and High School I haven't really done much shopping there. I knew they carried Sporting gear for Bird Dog Trainers and great outdoor-sy items but have never really paid much attention to their clothing selection. I have always been a Gap, Victoria's Secret, J.Crew kinda gal. But I did a little Christmas shopping from L.L. Bean this year so I have been receiving their e-mail and catalog updates. Well after a long weekend of refusing to check my e-mail I was doing a little clean up tonight and came accross an e-mail for the L.L. Bean WINTER SALE!!! And as we all know the world SALE gets my everytime. Boy, I was really suprised by their sale. They have amazing deals and I decided to take advantage of the extra Christmas money I was given and invest in a few key pieces.

I found these great skirts that will be great to wear when Spring starts rolling in.





That would be paired with this too cute and SO preppy cardigan.



And of course the printed corduary pants. These have peasants on them. LOVE THEM!



And this tote is so versital and great for everyday use.



And these skimmers are the perfect addition to ANY outfit. Pure perfection! :)



Watch out J.Crew, L.L. Bean is moving up on my list of best Southern Style.

XOXO

Sarah

Holiday Wish List...

Dear Santa,

I've been one REALLY good Southern Belle this year so for the first item on my wish list this beautiful bra from Victoria's Secret would be a perfect start.



At a small price tag of only $250 I thought this wouldn't be too much to ask for. Did I mention I've been REALLY good this year ;)

XOXO

Sarah

New Years Eve Outfit

Hubs and I have bought a night out on the town in Atlanta for New Years Eve. Dinner with friends (hopefully at some fancy high end restaurant), cab rides in taxis, a lavish hotel, and once amazing band that we used to pay $5 bucks to see play in Statesboro. What a way to bring in 2011!?

But for such a elegant evening I had to find the most perfect outfit. Something that screamed Classy, Southern, ready to party New Years Eve! And lucky for my J.Crew had the perfect party dress on sale this weekend in their Factory Outlet. And just so happens I am a J.Crew card holder. Double lucky me!

This is what I have decided my NYE 2011 will look like.



First the dress is J.Crew, of course.

The coat was found on Piperlime and is a great addition to staying warm and not looking like a women of the night walking around downtown Atlanta. I don't want any funny business ruining my NYE.

The "Berry" colored tights are none other than Guess, which is by no means any more of a shocker than if I had said Besty Johnson.

The glittery pumps perfect for dancing in are some no name brand from a no name site that ended up being only $35 dollars, which is perfect in case one becomes lost, broken, or just "misplaced" during the evening and never finds it way home. Hey, what happens on NYE is not my responsibility.

The necklace and earrings are from Piperlime by a brand called Honey and Hive. I always seem to find the best jewelery by this designer.

The beaded clutch is from Banana Republic. And is just the right size for holding the new Dr. Scholls Fast Flats for when my tootsies begin to ache and I can't walk a block longer.



And all of this to go with my new hair style that I am getting tomorrow. Yay! Can't wait :) So dear friends, stay tuned for tomorrow when I show off my new hair style.

XOXO

Sarah

Hair for a Belle

I have chest length dark brown hair, very think and naturally curly that I pull straight daily with a flat iron. Or I just pull it up into a messy bun on the top of my head, normally wet, and fly out to whatever appointment I have that day. To be honest with you, this is a very convenient but frustrating at the same time. I tend to feel sloppy and lazy and less like the Southern Belle that I am.

This is hair now.




This is the picture I always take into the hair salon with me. Of course it would be of Reese Witherspoon, she is the perfect Southern Belle.



And then I let my hair grow out and when I get frustrated with it like I am now I go back to the salon, same picture in hand and get my hair cut. But I kind of want a change from this cycle of hair.

So I think I want to try a new hair style. Something different from the normal. But at the same time I don't want to go too short either. I'm thinking a good mid-length would be nice.

I love this look of Nichole Richie. It's a good length, with lots of body and will work great with my natural curl.



And I think I might would like this look from Kristin Cavallari, even though I don't care for her as an actress and she is the no-no for all Southern Belles, but it might be better for the summer time.



And as every Southern Belle knows, the full, deep bangs are a must.



So on Saturday I think I might head on over to the hair salon for a nice little trim before our Thanksgiving vacation.

XOXO

Sarah

Christmas Wish List: One

Welcome to my FIRST official Christmas Wish List! I can promise there will be many more. I can never make up my mind about my wishes for Christmas. I am LOVING my new found love for vintage Chanel and I have been lusting over the perfection of the vintage Chanel Earrings. I am not a huge jewelery fan and wear limited amounts of it. I wear my monogrammed ring, my wedding bands, my pearl earring (just one since I only have one second hole) and sometimes my pearls (they are heavy and I am allergic to the backs). I used to wear a horseshoe necklace but since it has broke I have not replaced it.

So I did a little research and found these beauties...







So Dear Mr. Santa, lend me your ear!! Bring me lots of Holiday cheer!

XOXO

Sarah