Thankful!

The amount of things, and most importantly, people that I have to be thankful for is too immense to even attempt to describe in words. So much has happened in the past year for me, and I am so thankful for this adventure that we call life. It may be unexpected, but it ends up to be beyond my dreams. Thank you to everyone who makes mine shine.

As you enjoy your Thanksgivings, I want to leave you with my most favorite quote from my most favorite film:

I firmly believe that love is smiling through all things.

Let's not find reasons to be unhappy! Happy Thanksgiving!
xo,
Grace

Sale Alert- Pink Friday!

It's that time of the year again! The Thanksgiving sales are starting early at Elaine Turner, as early as TODAY! This is a really good one too. Here are the details:


Tuesday: 25% off of all merchandise online at www.ElaineTurner.com.
Thursday: shoppers can celebrate Thanksgiving from the comfort of their homes with our Sip, Shop & Save event starting at 5pm to receive 30% off everything on the site!
Friday: guests receive a free iPad case with a $300 purchase plus more deals in store! (Houston, Dallas, NYC, San Antonio, and Nashville are the store locations).

Because Elaine Turner is seriously my favorite brand ever, and if you follow me on this blog you know I love to sing Elaine's praises, I will definitely be picking up some presents for myself and others during this excellent sale!!

Here are Elaine's favorite gifts of the season:


Happy Shopping!!!
xo,
Grace

What I Wore Today, 4 AM Edition!

Today I traveled back to LA for work, and our flight left the east coast at 6:50 am. To make it in time from where I live, that meant that I had to wake up at 3:55 am, try to pull myself together, and prepare myself for a five and a half hour flight (which I am SO grateful was direct, AND I was in an exit row, so I really cannot complain!).

Anyway, I am the absolute opposite of a morning person. I don't know what is more scary, the fact that I had to see 4 am, or that 4 am had to face my grumpy atitude.  I didn't feel "normal" again until we touched down in LA, and I had had 3 cups of coffee, made it through about 6 episodes of TV, and eaten a cookie.

With all the traveling I tend to do for work, I've gotten really good at knowing what works best for me for early flights or long trips. Today's outfit is a really good representation of what I love to wear for these occasions!

Starting with the bag, this is the greatest travel purse ever, and believe me, I have tried lots. This Tory Burch Soft Nylon Tote Bag (Tory Navy Geyser) was a college graduation gift from my fiancĂ© last May, but I was able to still find it for sale on amazon if anyone is interested! It is super light weight, but big in size, with a massive zippered (really secure) exterior pocket, and another nice roomy zippered pocket in the main interior, along with two handy slots for cell phone, lipgloss, etc. It has room for everything I need and everything is secured in with a zipper which makes me feel at ease carrying it in busy places, plopping it down in the TSA scanner, and stowing it away in the plane. Not to mention, the nylon material makes it easy to wipe away anything that may get on it. It really is the best. 


I love to travel in my Nike Flex Runs (New Version) because they are lightweight, so comfy, and easy to slip on and off (although I hear you're not actually supposed to do that with tennis shoes, whoops!). Plus, the pop of hot pink makes me happy!

Layering is key for me when I travel, and I like to start with a great base. Nothing is better than the Lululemon Wunder Under Crop leggings. Nothing. They are my second skin. I am now a proud owner of 6 pairs accumulated over years and years of love for them. I still have the first pair I ever bought and they are as good as new-- that is where your investment goes with these-- amazing quality that lasts forever. They are expensive for a legging, but trust me, they are worth every single penny. Plus they have tons of fun colors and patterns now!

Next,  I like to go with a lightweight long sleeve top, like this one from Splendid. I particularly like the longer silouette when wearing it with leggings. Finally, a cosy, blanket-like sweater is key. I am notorious for getting cold everywhere I go, so a sweater is a must. This Kersh Anchor Print Sweater (found at T.J. Maxx) is a favorite as I find the waterfall style to be nice and flattering, and I love the print/colors. It also has a nice drapey neck which adds to the warmth factor.

If you ever catch me in the airport super early in the morning, I may not quite know what is going on yet, but chances are I will be wearing something really similar to this because I know it works and I always feel good in it. Do you guys have any travel outfits that you love?


Have a great Hump Day!!
xo,
Grace





Getting into the Christmas Spirit! (A little early)

With all the busyness and travel going on in our lives right now and in the coming weeks, my fiancĂ© and I took the last 24 hours to really start getting into the spirit of the holiday season!  As I write this, I am listening to my freshly downloaded "Christmas At Downton Abbey" album and it is just as delightful as it sounds like it would be! I am currently wearing newly purchased Disney Christmas flannel Pajamas, and sipping on my first non Starbucks "home made" hot chocolate since last year, pretending it is not currently 80 degrees where I am in Florida.

Last night, we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and it was our first time back there since we got engaged last January. It was such a fun night and we enjoyed every moment! Of course, we went back to the exact spot where Ben proposed and the rush of excitement hit me all over again.

Times like last night remind me how important the sharing of tradition is to me. Even though Ben and I have been together almost 8 years now, we have so many exciting new traditions to begin and experience together as we start our new lives together; the holidays are an excellent reminder of that!

Speaking of tradition, my outfit last night was full of it! Growing up, my mom used to take my sister and I to Old Navy every year for most holidays so that we could buy a fun seasonal t-shirt to wear. I always loved getting to pick out a Christmas one and that is a tradition that I haven't stopped! The shirt I wore last night, that says "Meet Me Under The Mistletoe" was my purchase last year from Old Navy's holiday tee shop. These are the ones I am eyeing for this year :

                  "You Wish"                    Pray For Snow"               "Mickey Mouse"         "Merry and Bright"

I hope you all had fantastic Mondays and are off to great enjoy a great week!
xo, 
Grace

My Non-Costume Halloween Outfit of the Day!

Just for the record-- this is the second year in a row that I haven't dressed up for Halloween!! Let it be known that despite my poor showing of Halloween spirit, I really do LOVE Halloween and have always enjoyed the concept of playing dress up and making creative costumes.there's always next year! Today I did want to share my OOTD with you because even though its not a costume, I do have a new jacket that I love. It is the 1969 Stud Denim Jacket from Gap.  I think the stud accents on it are just enough to make a statement without being too far into the rocker/biker category. As it always goes with The Gap, the denim is super soft and already worn in. 
For our evening at the movies (where we saw John Wick) I paired this beauty with a JCrew Collection White Cashmere Tee7 For All Mankind Skinny In Black, and my Metallic Aldo Booties ! Comfortable, laid back, and casual… just the way I like it!

I hope that you all had very happy Halloweens filled with lots of treats and no tricks! I can't wait to see and hear about your costumes!! 
xo,
Grace

My Fall Staples!

Hi friends and happy Wednesday! Woo-hoo we've made it half way through the week!! As you read this, I am probably road tripping to one of my fave places, Phoenix Arizona, for work (any opportunity to go to AZ and I am ready to go!). 
With my current job, which I absolutely am loving by the way, I get to travel a lot. When I first started, I will admit that my "light" packing skills were seriously bad.  Instead of packing three outfits for a two day trip I was leaving with 10+ (hey, this girl has gotta have her options). After a few wake-up-calls that my overpacking was more of a nuisance than a wardrobe saver, I've gotten to be really good at narrowing it down to the staples (blog post about packing light coming soon :) ). 

Anyway, today I wanted to share with you some of my most favorite recent Fall purchases. I have reached for these items day after day because I love them so very much.  Let me begin with the Ray Bans (1). I love the blue lenses because they are totally opaque (yay for privacy), and as someone who wears a lot of neutrals, I love the pop of color they add to my outfits/ fair skin and blonde(ish) hair. They are so comfortable, and I've honestly worn them every day since I bought them with my fiancĂ© in a moment of joy in Santa Monica, CA. 

Next is this NARS Nude Lipstick (aka Honolulu Honey)(2). I've been on the quest for the perfect nude for so long, and I can really say that this is it. I love a nude lip for fall and this checks all the boxes- moisturizing, barely there, elegant. Couldn't love it more. 

Also a NARS purchase, this Cheek Palette is gorgeous. It is great for highlighting and contouring, which I am a huge fan of, and also supplies three good sized blushes, each of which are very different and fun. I ran into Sephora to stock up on my favorite blush, Orgasm, and left with this instead… guess what? Turns out I like this better! 

I recently also treated myself to these incredible PJ's by PJ Salvage, which I found in Bella Beach in Manhattan Beach. I usually buy PJ's at target, but these were so worth the money, and I love the "Girly Skull" print. I feel like a rockstar in my sleep. I've also seriously considered wearing the PJ top as a "real life" tank top…. I'll let you know if  when that happens ;). 

Finally, these Aldo Montoro Metallic Booties have been my MVP shoe of the season.  After seeing them walk the runway on my favorite show ever, Project Runway, I bought them on sale and could not be happier with them. They're great with dresses/skirts as well as skinny jeans or even leggings. They are also the perfect way for me to add a bit of metallic into my fall wardrobe. 

What have been your fall fave's? I'd love to know!! Do you have any of these too?

xo,
Grace








Bridal Shower Style!

Hello and happy Sunday! I hope that you have all had great weekends-- mine has been so amazing!
I flew back to my hometown, Charlotte NC, for my Bridal Shower and it was even more special than I expected. It was hosted by my soon-to-be aunt, and my fiancĂ©'s grandmother; they (along with  my future Mother in Law) were so thoughtful in every little detail and planned such a fabulous day, making me feel so honored and loved.

When I found out about the shower, I immediately started thinking  stressing out  about what I was going to wear. Initially, I really wanted to wear a dress in an off white or cream color, but had such a hard time finding one. I began to admit defeat on that mission, and instead became obsessed with trying to re-create an Olivia Palermo Wedding separates moment. After a few weeks of searching for the perfect cashmere sweater and flowy skirt, I had an epiphany that I was being a bit unreasonable… I am no Carolina Herrera!

So, literally the day before the shower, I found myself with my mom at the Kate Spade store in Houston (best Kate Spade store EVER by the way… it is massive) with only a few hours to try and create the perfect bridal shower look. Thankfully, my mom is my best shopping partner and extremely helpful picking out things and giving advice. I tried on a bunch of outfits, but ended up settling on classic a blush pink dress, berry and glitter heels, and green and pink earrings (loaned to me by my bridesmaid, Laura).

Dress: Kate Spade  Shoes: Kate Spade (not available online) Similar Here Earrings: Kate Spade Similar

I am obsessed with these shoes! I almost bought some nude pumps to go with the dress, but the second I put these on I knew that it was just meant to be. The glitter heel matches the color of the dress perfectly and I think it gave my outfit a bit of a happy surprise element.  They make me feel happy too, and to me that is the most important thing. 

So, I didn't end up in off-white but I love how my outfit turned out, and I felt very "me" and comfortable the entire day. 

Here are some iPhone shots of the shower taken by my future Mother in Law if you can see what a beautiful job the hosts did! I am so incredibly thankful for them and our guests… it is such an incredible thing to feel supported and loved. 








Have a great Sunday night!!
xo,
Grace

One Lovely Blog Award!

Happy Tuesday! I don't normally post on Tuesdays, but a few days ago the lovely Novelette nominated me for the One Lovely Blog award. Thank you so much Novelette; I really appreciate it! I love following her blog; you should definetly go on over and check it out.


"The Rules:
1. Display award logo.
2. List 7 Facts about yourself.
3. Nominate other awesome bloggers and follow the person who nominated you."

So, here are my seven {really random} facts:
1. I will eat literally anything, and probably really like it. I am the least picky eater I know.
2. I love dogs, especially boxers and bulldogs. Whenever I am around them I feel like a better person.
3. My favorite color is pink.
4. I have one older sister and thankfully we have always been really close.
5. Touching paper napkins gives me the sensation of nails on a chalkboard.
6. I never match my socks.
7. If something has hearts on it, there is a 99% chance I will buy it.

I nominate…
Anyone who reads this who wants to participate!!! Let me know if you do and thanks for stopping by my blog!

xo, 
Grace

The Oversized Sweater!

When I think about my style, I often get confused reconciling all the various (and to some incompatible) ways I love to dress: super girly, all black minimalism, classic, studs and leather, animal print all over, etc, etc. While I may truly love to dress in may different ways, there is one article of clothing that I love above all else… the amazing, wonderful, irreplaceable oversized sweater.

On days when I feel "off" or don't know what to wear, it is what I always turn too because it is so easy and so comfortable. I love wearing leggings underneath or a pair of skinny jeans like I did last night to dinner and a movie with friends.
Even though it is not "fall" like at all right now where I am, I think this style is perfect for chillier temps and transitioning into cold weather. Sadly, I can't find a link to the exact sweater I was wearing last night (although I am positive it is available in-store as I just got it less than two weeks ago), but here are three similar ones I also love. I own all three of these and am getting a lot of use out of them. Added bonus-- they are all under $30. That's hard to beat!


My favorite of the three is the one to the right, the Oversized Sweater, because I love this subtle leopard print that it comes in. It is also pretty light weight which is good for layering and places that are not as cold (cough cough, Florida). 

What do you think of this style? I hope you had a great Wednesday!!

xo,
Grace

I'm Back!

Hi! I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. Thank you so much for sticking with me while I've been absent… so thankful for each and every one of you!
This last month has been so busy in a really great and amazing way.  I have had the chance to seize some exciting opportunities and go on adventures. I've been getting to travel lots, and am continuing on my journey of finding an answer to that ominous question: "so, Grace, what exactly is it that you want to do?"

Now that I am settling into a routine (so important for me!), I'll be back here every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday... I've missed this lots!!

Talk to you Wednesday! Lots of love.

xo, 
Grace


Work of the Week: Kerrie Hess Illustration!

Hi guys and happy Sunday!! I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable weekend so far. Today I wanted to share the work of one of my favorite illustrators, Kerrie Hess. She does incredible illustrations for designers including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Kate Spade, and is featured in magazines like Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.

I love her expressive style, fluid lines, and use of bright color. Here are just a few of my favorites:




If you like her style, check her website for lots & lots more of her beautiful work!
Also, if you're on instagram, she is one of my favorite people to follow… so inspiring! (@kerriehessillustration)

xo,
Grace

Take a Breath!

With lots going on last week and in the coming weeks, its easy for me to get lost in my to-do list and start inventing more and more stuff to be thinking about.  This image made me really happy when it popped up on my Pinterest homepage.  So simple, so true …  Hey, it's OK.

You made it to another weekend! I hope it is a great one!

xo,
Grace 

Some End of Summer Finds (Glitterville and Target)!

Hi!! Sorry I have been so absent recently! Charleston with my mom was so much fun; I am sad it is over! After Charleston I drove up to NC to see my sister (yay!) and then finally made my way back down to Florida. It was so great to see some of my family and spend some time back in the beautiful Carolinas!

I recently picked up two sets of serve ware (I guess?) that I LOVE. I have been coveting these Polka Dot Melamine Plates from the amazing Glitterville website. I discovered these SO long ago in Oprah's magazine, and have attempted to order them twice before, both times getting a very depressing email that they were out of stock. They are back available now and I was so excited that I ordered two sets. After waiting forever, they did not disappoint!

 They look like paper plates but are actually melamine and are reusable/dishwasher safe dishes. I think they are so cute and I am so glad that I have eight of them now after waiting for so long! If you like these at all, I'd recommend ordering them soon because I was told this was the last time they would be offered ($20 for a set of four… not bad!).

Secondly, I picked up these Oh Joy! Plastic Goblets from Target and am loving them. I got mine (more summery colors than those linked) on clearance sale in store for only 99 cents… it does't get much better than that.

Since they are plastic, and I think intended for parties, I would never actually use these for drinking, but I think they make really cute, inexpensive vessels for storing and displaying things. I am using one now as easy access cotton ball storage and think it looks really cute.  Love the gold rims!

I hope you're having a great day, and I am looking forward to getting back on my Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday schedule!  Thanks for sticking around :)

xo, 
Grace

Favorite Charleston Restaurants!

Hi again from Charleston! I hope you all have been having great weeks so far. My mom and I are having an incredible time here in South Carolina. Today we went to our future wedding reception venue and got to do an extensive tasting of possible food options, and then went to the bakery our wedding planner (A Charleston Bride --check them out) suggested to do a cake tasting! I am sad that my fiancĂ© "missed out" on this, but at the same time I'm excited because he will get to be surprised by the deliciousness!!

By the way, the bakery we are using, Ashely Bakery  is fantastic and I really recommend them if you ever need a bakery in the Charleston SC area!
AMAZING cake tasting! So hard to pick just a couple! 
Anyway, today I want to feature three of my favorite restaurants in Charleston.  There are so many incredible restaurants here, but these three would definitely be in my top 5! Here they are (in no particular order)

1. F I G 
 (Food is Good)
Fig
Incredibly warm, inviting, comfortable, unpretentious and cozy, this is a Charleston MUST-eat. I remember the first time my parents took me here (circa a decade ago) and thinking it was like no restaurant I'd ever been to before. I was right! I love that they use only local produce and ingredients, serving eccentric food with wholesome ingredients you can be confident are only the best. 

I ate: 
-appetizer-
ricotta gnocchi with sea island grass beef bolognese (and my mom's salad of GEM lettuces)
-entree-
freshly caught mustard amberjack fish (and my mom's fish stew in coquette) 

2. C R U    C A F E
Cru
Classic low country comfort food, served in a historic yellow Charleston cottage with quaint porches, this restaurant exudes the spirit of the city.  It is extremely small, but also extremely comfortable. The menu has a wide amount of variation and the portion sizes are small enough that you can order multiple things (which I love!)

One of my favorites….
-small plate-
peaches n' cream: grilled balsamic peach, honey cream, and bacon jam


3. I N D A C O 
Indaco
This very new (for Charleston) Italian restaurant is absolutely delicious. It is only a year old, but has been thriving in its upper King Street Location. My mom and I had heard great things, and we were NOT disappointed! They have a superior selection of pastas, pizzas, appetizers, fish, veggies, wine, etc. 
The ambiance is also really fun, with exposed brick and beams creating an industrial-italian-comfortable-southern fusion look. I don't know how they pulled that off, but they really did!

I ate…
-entree-
black pepper tagliatelle, carbonara, pork tesa, egg yolk, chives, peccorino romano (and my mom's roasted and pan seared summer vegetables)


Do any of you have any favorite Charleston restaurants?? Or do any of these sound good to you? I am going to go to sleep and dream of food tonight!
xo,
Grace

Hi From Charleston!

I am spending this week in beautiful Charleston South Carolina with my mom doing some wedding planning and relaxing! We arrived last night and are having a wonderful time so far walking around, eating at delicious restaurants, and exploring the shops! I've always loved Charleston and have so many happy memories here so I am happy to be making even more.

I'll keep you posted about our adventures this week, but for now, here are some pictures I've snapped over the past day!




xo (from back in the Carolinas)!
Grace

Also, Tasha from xBeYOUtifulx has also nominated me for the Liebster award! She is super sweet and has a cool blog so head over and check her out!! I am going to answer her questions below! Thank you so much Tasha!!

1. What's your favourite high-street brand and why? 
I'm not totally sure what that means, but my favorite designer is Elaine Turner!! Love her handbags, shoes, and accessories! 

2. What's your favourite season? 
I love the winter. I love the feeling of coziness it gives me, the holidays, and getting to wear comfy sweaters, boots, and leggings. I'm also not a big fan of being hot in general so I prefer cooler temps.

3. What's your style (in terms of fashion)? 
I gravitate towards classic, timeless looking things, especially when purchasing more pricey items.

4. Picture this scenario: if you found out the groom had slept with another girl on your best friends wedding day would you tell her? 
Yes! Absolutely I would. No question!!

5. Are you a cat or a dog person? 
Dogs all the way! I love them so much!!

6. What's your favourite childhood memory?
Being with my family in Guatemala at my grandparents house! There are so many memories of that but one of them would be my favorite. 

7. What's your favourite perfume?
Juicy Couture Juicy. It has been my favorite since I started wearing perfume. 

8. Converse or heels? 
Heels every day!! I love them even though I am tall!

9. Daddy's girl or mummy's girl?
Both! I have great relationships with both my parents, thankfully :)

10. What's your favourite sport?
To watch, Football (American Football). Carolina Panthers all the way!!

Thanks Tasha, xo!

Work of the Week and More Liebster Award Love!

As you read this, I am driving up the east coast to meet my mom in Charleston, SC for the week! I am SO excited about spending time with her in one of my favorite places in the world.  Stay tuned this week for some extra special Charleston fun!

Otherwise, welcome back to a new Work of the Week (with an additional surprise at the end)! This week, I wanted to do something similar to last week and feature another living artist. French painter Claire Basler is one of my all time favorites. She has been painting since the 1980s, and her work could not be more different than the experimental abstraction of the 1980s urban art scene.  Instead, she turned to nature, drawing inspiration from the organic.

I love this quote from her:

The observation of nature brings me the ability to listen and to be open. I am but a link for the transmission of its vitality, its force, its gentleness, its violence, its sensuality.
Its wealth is an inexhaustible source ; its tenacity is a teaching ; its beauty is an emotion that finds itself every day renewed.

                                                                                                                                                Claire Basler

Photo: Remodelista (be sure to check out their post on her studio!)

She paints, draws. creates textiles, and murals. For more, check out her beautiful website! All her works are absolutely enchanting.
Paintings (in her home)

Secondly, I was nominated by the lovely Matilda from Matilda Elizabeth for a Liebster Award. Thank you so much for the nomination Matilda! It is much appreciated :) Head over to her blog, its beautiful!
Because I have already gotten a nomination from Novelette, and have previously posted my 11 questions (see post here and I will include them below), I am going to just answer Matilda's questions this time around! She asked some good ones!!

Matilda's 11 Questions for me :)
1. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
Definitely getting to connect with a diverse group of talented, amazing people who I otherwise would never have the opportunity to interact with! 

2. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope, none! 

3. Shimmery or matte eyeshadow?
Depends on my mood/the occasion, but usually I'd go matte. 

4. What is your go-to hairstyle?
I have thick, long, wavy hair, so I think it looks best and is easiest to style when I wear it down and in loose curls. My favorite thing to do is let it mostly air dry and then add some more defined curls with my flat iron (I'm hopeless with a curling iron and think that my thin flat iron works better for curls anyway!).

5. Do you have any pets?
YES! And I love them SO much. I have two boxer dogs, Henry and Bella. They currently live with my parents but I am trying so hard to get them moved here to be with me full time! I miss them everyday.

6. Where would you love to visit, and why?
There are so many places that I would like to travel, but in terms of doing touristy things on an active vacation, I think I have to say Paris. I feel like its a place I need to see during my lifetime and I would love visiting the museums there. Plus, I've always wanted to go to Versailles. 

7. What is your dream job?
This is a great question! As soon as I started thinking about it, my mind started going in a million different directions, so I'm going to go with what first popped in my head. My mom is from Guatemala and I spent a lot of time growing up there. My dream job would be working for or starting some kind of Non-Profit that helps artists and craftsmen there, sharing the incredible culture and artistry of Guatemala with the world. 

8. Who inspires you?
My mom and dad.

9. What is your pet hate?
When people crinkle or rub newspapers it drives me crazy. It sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. 

10. Do you have a favourite dessert?
Cake or Cupcakes! I love frosting!

11. What is your favourite book?
The Harry Potter Series… nothing can beat it for me!

Thanks for the great questions Matilda!

I nominate anyone who reads this and who wants to participate!! I'd love to hear what your responses to my questions are! Be sure to let me know if you participate :)

Here are my questions for YOU:
1. If someone gave you unlimited funds right now to re-decorate your home or re-vamp your wardrobe, which would you choose?
2. What is the one fashion accessory you could never give up?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
4. What made you decide to start your blog and what is your favorite thing about blogging?
5. You're running late getting ready in the morning and have to decide between doing your hair or your makeup. Which do you decide to do?
6. Do you have one go-to beauty product you couldn't live without?
7. What is the fall fashion trend you are most looking forward to trying?  
8. Who is your style icon and why?
9. Where is your favorite place to shop when looking for fashion on a smaller budget?
10. Would you rather shop online or in an actual store?
11. Describe your style in one sentence: 

(to see my original post on this and the rules, click here)

I hope you enjoyed this post and are having a great weekend!!
xo,
Grace







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