Weekend Recap: Nashville

I can't tell you how happy I am that it is already Thursday. Can't we have 4 day weeks every week? I spent this past weekend in Nashville, TN with 4 of my college roommates. It was the first time I have gotten to spend more than a night with them and it was an amazing weekend. We ate, drank, and listened to live music for 3 days. It was also 100 degrees the whole time so I'm pretty sure I had a constant "glow" going.

Dinner out at Virago.

Brought some chasers to the bar with us.Totally necessary.

Country Music Hall of Fame

Line Dancing!

Danielle & Me

Vintage shopping. Loved this gold bust.

The birthday girls.

Our last night with Elvis.

Recommendations: 

Virago- Great for both people that like sushi and those that do not. Modern atmosphere and pretty reasonably priced (a little more than your average sushi joint). I tried the lobster fried rice, edamame, chicken & filet mignon skewers, and the Aloha roll (pineapple, bacon, coconut, and tempura shrimp). For cocktails I'd recommend the kiwi-cucumber cocktail & the strawberry elderflower sparkle. 

Merchants- Probably my favorite place of the trip. The restaurant has a cool eclectic feel to it and the wait staff was amazing. Each table starts off with seasoned homemade popcorn. We had the baked cheese as an appetizer and I had the chicken salad salad for my dinner. It was delicious. I also would recommend the soup & sammy- a spin on a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup.

The Pharmacy- It's a cab ride away from downtown near East Nashville but it is so worth the drive. Although be warned for those that do not like beer or milkshakes (which is a little sad) you may not find it as appealing as I did. It's a burger bar with a large menu of locally brewed beers and a wonderful beer garden. I had the chicken sandwich with garlic aoili and homemade fries. It was delicious. And two of my friends are vegetarians and loved their meal, too. A really fun place to try. 

East Nashville - We did a lot of great vintage shopping in this area and there are some really cute sections of local shopping and dining. I would highly recommend a trip out of downtown to go there. 

Enjoying Life

I apologize for the radio silence these past couple of days. I was in Nashville all weekend (more to come on this tomorrow) and have been trying to get back in the swing of things. I didn't want to do a half-hearted post so I figured no post was the better route. 

Also, I saw this quote and it really got me thinking about a few things. In college, I found myself constantly counting down the days til any event I had coming up. I would countdown until the next time I'd see my boyfriend, my friends from home, until the next social with my sorority. You get the picture. And while I don't see anything wrong with a little anticipation- I am really going to start trying to live day by day. So much time is wasted waiting for bigger and better things to happen, but the normal days where I go home and eat with my family and watch crappy reality TV are just as important.

I'll be back with my weekly wants later this afternoon! :) 

In Every Color

I've really been loving bright colors for summer and my handbag is no exception. I think a crossbody bag in a bright hue is the perfect way to add flair to even the simplest of summer outfits. I also like the fact that you can remove the strap and bring it out at night as a clutch- definite bonus points. Would you wear a bright bag?

Aldo Monroe (pink) / Eve Patent Satchel (orange) / Rebecca Minkoff (yellow) 

Coach Classic Shoulder Bag (green) / Tory Burch (blue) / Cole Haan Jitney (purple)

Need, Want, Must Have

Some of the things in my roundup this week I actually had to have. Like that James Perse Dress and the Gorjana Necklace. Luckily Shopbop is having their "Big Event" sale and I was able to get $50 off my purchase. I realize that may not be enough justification for some of you much more financially responsible than myself, but for me- it's all the convincing I needed. I'm leaving for Nashville on Friday to celebrate a few birthdays and I am getting really excited. It's going to be 100 degrees all weekend so I'll be packing lots of flowy dresses and skirts to combat the heat. Have you ever been? Any recommendations? 

Also, in my Birchbox this month I received a sample of BB Cream and I am officially obsessed with the stuff. It's perfect for summer- SPF, light coverage, and flawless/dewy skin. I highly recommend trying one- there are about a million brands out there. If you have a favorite, I'd love it if you shared it with me! I'm still trying to decide which brand I like best. 

James Perse Striped Sundress / Cleobella Cantina Bag / Clinique BB Cream / BB Dakota Shorts / Topshop Jeweled Sandal / Gorjana Viceroy Necklace / Topshop Denim Jacket / J. Crew Pear Bathing Suit

What are you loving this week? 

Girl on a Budget

You know it's a good find when even the "splurge" version is pretty budget friendly. Personally, I like the added detail in the Dolce Vita pair but for $15 you really can't beat the Target pair if you don't think you'll wear them often. I think that these are pretty much an every day flat that can be worn with jean shorts, skirts & summer dresses in any color. What do you think? Would you save or splurge?

Target {$14.99}                                           Dolce Vita {$69.00}                 

Cannes Fashion '12

If I've learned anything from looking at the photos from Cannes this year, it's that sequins are never going out of style. Both Diane Kruger and Jessica Chastain brought their A game. I fell in love with almost every outfit they've worn the past few days- these two looks especially. What really stood out to me (besides the sparkle) is that both kept their makeup minimal and went with simple loose waves. Have you been paying attention to all the Cannes fashion? Which looks have been your favorite? 

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Friday's Fancies: Chambray Season

Happy Friday! I've  been sick the last few days, so I apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. With all this NATO craziness going on in Chicago I'm not exactly sure what my weekend plans are, but I know it will involve being outside since it's going to be 85 and sunny. This week's outfit is based on a favorite staple in my closet- the chambray shirt. There are endless ways to wear it and I typically wear mine with white shorts, coral jeans, or even with a dark denim skinny jean. I decided to try something new this week and throw it over a dress with some girly accessories and you're ready for brunch or a Saturday shopping session.
What are your plans this weekend?


Madewell Perfect Chambray / Madewell Sundial Dress / BCBG Clutch / J.Crew Starfish Studs / J.Crew Patent Leather Belt / Stuart Weitzman Wedges