Flannel + Fur

Me doing something awkward.

Shirt from Urban Outfitters, Vest BB Dakota (similar), BDG jeggings and flats, purse from Francesca's, bracelet from Forever 21 

I like to think of this outfit as "lumberjack chic." Which is a style genre, right? The best thing about the vest is all of the petting it encourages. Nothing wrong with a little love. Also, I got this purse for $30! Which is amazing because its so easy for black (p)leather to look cheap. That's what I love about Francesca's , you never know when you might find a deal.

Cheetah Cheetah, Duh

Old Navy shirt, Gap jeans and belt, Sam Edelman shoes (not that you can see them), Gianni Bini bag, Fossil watch, Forever 21 bracelets

I actually wore this outfit about a month ago. It would no longer be appropriate because it is currently 37 degrees outside, but I could add a sweater and jacket and be good to go. There is not much to say about this outfit, so I am going to end with my favorite statement: What's an outfit without a little (or a lot of) cheetah?

Thanksgiving Snapshots

I'm not going to lie, my Dad may be the best cook alive. How my mother found a man who can and will cook for her every night is beyond me. If anyone knows where I can find someone similar, tips are always welcome!

Some of the goodies, pre-oven.

So many pots, so little time!

My sweet dog, Peach.

OMCheese.

The fun lights my mom and I gave to my dad and brother for their personal tree in the basement.

Cheap and Chic

Damn girl, ya mean. (J Cole voice)

So this outfit cost less than $100! It may be an ode to Forever 21, but let's break it down anyway. 

Simple Forever 21 t-shirt dress for $12. It's basic, but easy to use in layering. (similar) 

Booties for $30. Say what?! And they're still available here.

Scarf for eight bucks. But I also love this cheetah one at Urban.

H&M pleather "vegan leather" jacket for $40. Target has a similar one here.

Tights also via our fave Swedish retailer. (No, not Ikea.) Here for your viewing pleasure.

Done! Accessorize to your heart's content.

Miles and Miles

Everly dress via Tobi, Hobo clutch, Hue tights, Michael Antonio Cane Wedges via Piperlime, Belt c/o LB, Forever 21 cuffs and rings, Essie Downtown Brown nail polish

Do you ever shop on Tobi? Well they have this really awesome deal. Every week they get 53 new items in and for a week all 53 of the new items are 30% off! I got this Everly dress on Tobi about a month ago for 30% off. Honestly, it was a complete impulse buy. I got on the website around 11:30pm and the sale was ending at midnight, so I bought it on a whim and I am SO glad that I did! Also FREE shipping and no tax! Who doesn't love that? You should also check out the booties I am wearing. They are like 6 inches and the MOST comfortable booties I own. Also, so reasonably priced!

Five Things

Baby it's cold outside! Okay, maybe not quite yet here in Tennessee. But a girl can dream. Here are a few of the little things making the start to my holiday season merry.
 

Two ornaments paired with a vintage scarf to make a festive holiday centerpiece.

Dreams come true if you really want them to. (Or if you really work for them.)

My gorgeous planner that makes even the most hectic of weeks seem calm. Get the 2012 edition here.

 
Colorful shot glasses for holiday get togethers.

And a playful tumbler for all those long nights of studying during finals week.

Who feels like snuggling?

Sequins + Fur

 Banana Republic Sequin Sweatshirt (love this sequin dress from BR), Gap Faux Fur vest, Forever 21 jeans (love this color too), shoes, clutch and ring, Fossil watch

Can you tell it is raining? Well it is. Knoxville is on a depressing weather kick, so I picked this outfit to add a little spice to a otherwise dreary day! This sequin sweatshirt is so fun because it is the perfect mix of dressy and casual and because it is a sweatshirt it is ridiculously comfortable! I got this fur vest at Gap last holiday season, but now I have my eye on this one. Hopefully Santa already got it for me because it is sold out!

Neutral State

Don't mind me casually standing on this ledge.

Lily White skirt via Nordstrom, top and bracelets from Urban Outfitters, cardigan from Topshop, J. Crew boots (now I need these), Hue tights, necklace via Parisian street fair, Dark Room and Only Gold for Me nail polish colors (both Sephora by OPI available here and here)

I wore this ensemble to to David Nail's CD release party last night with SB, so it was fresh on my mind when selecting outfits to shoot this morning. Of course the weather wasn't cooperating (read: monsoon), but as I've said before you just can't keep a trendy girl down. At least I had an appropriate necklace for the occasion. 

For a lot of people wearing black and brown together is a big no-no, but I love it. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals. When I first saw these photos I was upset that I forgot to get a shot of the gorgeous back of this shirt. Leaves some mystery for next time.

Seven Things

Gold cuffs - going wear one on each arm (inspired by Emily and Blair)

My weekend was crazy and filled with driving between Knoxville and Louisville, but I managed to find seven things that made my weekend a little more fun. Also I was surprised at how much I loved Louisville (I cannot believe I am saying this) and now I am very excited about grad school!

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 Clutch, Scarf, and Red jeans all from Forever 21. Obviously my mom and I were scoping out the shopping in Louisville this weekend and we stumbled upon the largest Forever 21 I have ever been to! 

 Fun alarm clock that makes waking up a little easier.

 Teal and Glitter nails that I have gotten tons of compliments on! Teal nail polish from Old Navy and Glitter from Forever 21.

My favorite painting that I made in my Painting I class that is so heavy we can't hang it on the wall. 

Peyton Manning jersey that I got to see when on a tour of Neyland Stadium!

Fun bear hat that we found at Mast General Store in Knoxville!

Hope you had a great weekend! 

(This post inspired by Emily's Five Things)

A Guide to Brunch: Knoxville

This year I am thankful for sweet friends, supportive parents, amazing opportunities and impending graduation. Oh, and brunch. Definitely brunch. Brunch became a necessary staple in my week this summer in NYC, and I certainly didn't leave the ritual behind when I returned to Tennessee. Lucky for me Knoxville has its own brunch spots that are both delicious and champange-filled. Or Bloody Mary filled, if you're into that sort of thing. Brunch is the necessary beginning to any good Sunday Funday, so here is The Trendy's guide for any Knoxville girl who often finds herself asking "Am I an omelette girl or an eggs benedict girl?"

The Crown and Goose

The Crown and Goose in Knoxville's Old City is one of my favorite paces to spend a Sunday morning. First of all, a bottle of champagne at this gastropub will cost you all of $8. No seriously, $8, and the kind servers will bring you all of the juice you want to mix your cocktails. As far as appetizers go the Goose offers a couple very tasty cheese plates along side the usual fare. My favorite dish so far is the Blue Lump Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict, but I can't wait to try the endless omelette station. A friend of mine once asked what fillings were available, and our server replied "Anything you can imagine." I like your style, Goose. After brunch, you can slip outside to enjoy the beer garden. Sounds like a perfect day to me.

Latitude 35

So you wake up on Saturday morning and you're starving, where should you besties brunchettes go? Latitude 35 in Market Square. This place serves up elegant variations on traditional classics in huge portions. I'm in. Their brunch menu includes a heaping Southern Breakfast, Pulled Pork Nachos and various pizzas. It honestly doesn't matter what you're in the mood for, Latitude has it. What do I want? Can I just sample everything? Thanks. The bartenders here are also ready to impress. Their signature drink list is full of creative concoctions. Don't see anything you like? Tell your server the flavors you're looking for, and they'll be happy to make you a cocktail to suit any taste.

Cafe 4

If for nothing else Cafe 4 would have made this list on account of one thing: mega-mosas. For just $5 you can enjoy a 16 oz. champagne cocktail made with orange juice, pomegranate, or peach nectar. Side note: a bartender once asked me what my favorite cocktail flavors were, and I responded "blood orange and pomegranate." Clearly, Cafe 4 gets what a trendy girl needs. Again, the food here is to die for. They offer a hefty amount of their regular menu alongside their brunch items. Lobster bacon flatbread anyone? No, I'm not making this up, Cafe 4 will really bring you such a wonderful creation. As far as brunch goes I suggest the Stuffed Fried French Toast or the Lo Country Shrimp and Grits. Perfection.

Cheers, ladies!

Have a Colorful Weekend

While LB is off to Nashville to play and shop her time away, I am excitedly off to Kentucky to consider furthering my education. Ironic, I know. I am hoping to get my masters in Art Therapy, so these four (and a half) years of working toward a Bachelors in Studio Art are not a complete waste. I thought I would share with you some of my recent work. I have been making watercolors or oil paintings and then photographing them in various stages of completion. Initially my idea was for these photographs to serve as inspiration for future paintings. I would love to hear what you think about this work!

  

Here are just a few examples of my work. These are all of watercolor paintings. I also did this project using film, so I might show that next (maybe the oil paintings too). Hope you enjoy and have a fun and colorful weekend!
See you Monday!