mara hoffman swimsuits at madewell

Let's just say it will be several more weeks before I feel "swimsuit ready" this season. To quote everyone's favorite preggo, Juno, I'm currently feeling like "a planet."

Still, the weather is gorgeous and it is Memorial Day weekend so why not take a peek at some gorgeous swimwear?

NYC based designer Mara Hoffman is known for her bright, bold prints. This season, she's done a swimsuit collaboration with Madewell that has my tongue wagging. If these don't make you want to book a beach vacation yesterday, perhaps you are just more of a mountain/hiking kind of person?

a swell getup for...an October dinner date

It's officially October which means it's time leave behind those summer pieces for new fall ensembles.

It's been years since I've been "back to school," but there's something about the change in season and the need for new duds that has been burned in the brain.

little bacon

little bacon's Etsy shop is the sweetest.

Based in France, this clothing shop is filled with feminine pieces touched with a bohemian flair.

My favorite piece is the patterned "jupe" mini featured above. Paired with suede booties and a light sweater, this makes me excited to break out my fall clothes.

Other favorites include these saucy "culotte" shorts that look straight off the set of "Boardwalk Empire,"

and these floaty silk tops,

flats for fall

Labor Day has come and gone which means it's time to put away those sandals and hide those toes.

Since it's hardly boot weather here in Nashville, I opt for a swell pair of the above "skimmers" (read: flats if you aren't Madewell's website).

They are quite elegant aren't they? They look like a shoe Katherine Hepburn might wear.

The D'orsay Flat in Dark River, Madewell, $128

(images via madewell)

a swell getup for...a summer concert

Summertime is hot, but that's no reason to let the humidity bring you down.

With so many awesome outdoor events (like... perhaps the Americanarama Festival of Music on June 29th featuring Bob Dylan, Wilco and My Morning Jacket...oh my!), the above ensemble looks festive while keeping it low maintenance.

A breezy cotton embroidered dress with a crossbody bag keeps your hands free. Paired with a smart pair of shades on an unexpected gold chain and an effortless top knot, this get up is prepared to battle those hot Southern summer temps. Pair with flat summer sandals to keep those dogs comfortable.

Get the look below:

Sunglasses Chain, asos, $6

Brown woven belt, H & M, $12.95
Gold watch, Michael Kors, $180
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban Clubmasters, $150
Embroidered cotton dress (similar style here), Madewell, $165
Coral Lipstick, NARS, $29
Thin gold chain necklace, Lindsay Adelman, $230
Brown crossbody bag, Merona, $23
Flat sandals, asos, $19

(top image via cali vintage tumblr)

etsy finds: ArcOfaDiver

Digging ArcOfaDiver's interesting bag collection after coming across their Etsy shop.

I've got my eye set on the Tico striped school satchel (bottom right above) from their Coastal Collection. This looks like an ideal option for a new work bag. I just got a brand new company MacBook that I'm terrified of accidentally destroying.

I also wouldn't turn the cross body Seafarer Bag (in solid or stripe)....

or these gold accented Wallet/Clutch designs.

a swell get up for...those brisk March mornings

March always sounds like springtime with daffodils and daylight savings time, but more often than not I find myself reaching for a scarf or a light jacket to see me through that morning chill. While the mornings may feel brisk, the afternoons turn sunny, almost warm, down here in Nashville.

The above Olsen twin impersonator has the right idea. Layering a classic jeans and t-shirt combo with a tailored blazer and a light scarf, keeps you warm in the morning while offering the chance to shed those layers as the day goes on.

Rolled up jeans and a killer pair of tall sandals, keep you springy enough to handle those weekend errands, meet friends for coffee or even an after work margarita on patio somewhere. Aviator shades optional.

Get the look below.

Navy boyfriend blazer, Topshop, $70
Organic scoop neck tee, John Patrick, $92
Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, J. Crew, $145
Blue linen scarf, John Lewis, $45
Crossbody envelope bag, Aldo, $ 35
Distressed skinny jeans, J Brand, $213
Brown heel sandals, Zara, $90

(image via walking around where the sidewalk ends)

rebel, rebel

Part menswear and part spaceman, these silvery Rebel loafers are a fun way to bring a little Ziggy Stardust to that normal day at the office.

Lucky for you spring shoe shoppers, these bad boys are currently on sale at Piperlime for a most reasonable price. Head here to purchase.

(image via bloomingdales)

a friendly sweatshirt

Why, hello yourself! This friendly sweatshirt from Hello Merch makes me smile.

Even though S constantly teases me about loving "sweats" (for the record an American Apparel oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants are totally different from a random sweatsuit, ok?), I'm thinking of snagging one of the above shirts in blue or green.

a swell getup...for that holiday get together

The holiday party season is officially in full swing. From work events to meet ups with friends and family, this time of year provides plenty of excuses to get dolled up.

Each year, I rely on one solid getup that can make the transition from work party to Christmas Eve dinner. This silky dress comes in a flattering shape while sporting a bold green shade that manages to feel festive without being cheesy.

Pair with a solid pair of suede heels, a clever clutch and minimal jewelry and you're ready to head to a function with coworkers OR cocktails with college friends. The only thing missing from above? Why, the eggnog, Clark!

Dress: Mossbluff Dress, Madewell, $125
Clutch: Black Leather Envelope, chicwish.com. $43
Tights: Matte Gray Stockings, Top Shop, $12
Heels: Stacked Suede Heels, Michael Kors, $295
Earrings: Black Garnett Astrid Studs, Catbird NYC, $150
Ring: Classic Hammered Knuckle Ring, Catbird NYC, $64

P.S. Don't you love the model's red hair? I've contemplated dying my own hair red, but decided against it when I realized it would not in fact make me look like Jessica Chastain.

a swell getup for...catching some live music

Not surprising, one of our favorite ways to spend an evening out in Nashville is catching a live show. We do live in Music City after all!

From the 5 Spot to The End over to 3rd and Lindsley or even The Stone Fox, the above ensemble strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and rocker chic.

Leather leggings and stacked heels? Yum. Since we've moved to Nash, I've been indulging in heels more. What can I say? Walking two blocks is a lot easier "on the dogs" compared to the 20 or more we typically covered on foot during a night out back in NYC.

I plan on wearing something similar when we catch Morrissey at the Ryman after Christmas (my Junior High heart beats wildly).

Get the look for yourself below.

Wide brim fedora, Rag and Bone, $175
Navy Ponte blazer, Topshop, $90
Silk tee, Madewell, $65
Black wedge hells, Dolce Vita, $90
Wrap watch, Shopbop, $120
Stretch leather leggings, Topshop, $64 (similar style)

(top image via pinterest)

hansel from basel tights

I have a crush on Hansel from Basel's circle dot tights in navy. Aren't they cute and cozy?

The L.A. based legwear designers make me excited that the really chilly weather has finally arrived here in Tennessee. Talk about a perfect excuse to purchase their cleverly crafted tights and socks...

See Chloe Moretz in their curtain tights below.

(images via frolic! and nylon)

sequinned cardigan

Oh, Zara, you minx.

This sequinned cardigan is just the ticket. Doesn't it make one heck of a glam yet cozy fall wardrobe addition? 

Practial? Not really...but it would be perfect for a chilly night out on the town.

(images via zara)

a swell getup for...an afternoon of antiquing

Fall is by far my favorite season, and I'm chomping at the bit for sweater weather.

Daydreaming about leisurely Saturday afternoons spent exploring my favorite antique shops on 8th Ave and in East Nashville.

A cozy yellow sweater paired with a flirty polka dot skirt gets those creative juices flowing. Worn with broken in ankle booties, this cute yet comfy outfit feels right for browsing stacks of old records, vintage glassware and jewelry from other decades.

Top with a big brown satchel, a chunky grey cowl scarf and super rosy cheeks....it looks like you're ready to pick.

The ultimate compliment to this colorful fall getup? A pumpkin spice latte, of course!

Get the look below.

Sweater: J. Crew wool knit merino, net-a-porter.com, $80
Skirt: pleated polka dot skirt, J. Crew, $148
Scarf: cableknit cowl, John Lewis, $48
Satchel: Dooney & Burke, zappos.com, $368
Ankle boots: The Zipcode Boot, Madewell, $198
Tights: Opaque navy, Top Shop, $12
Bracelets: Dinny Hall Toro Loop bracelet, Ashley Clarke, $200 and Gag & Lou Seven Bead bracelet, $62
Cuff: Charlene K Small Druzy and Gold, maxandchloe.com, $173
Blush: Tarte Cheek Stain, Sephora, $30
Lipstick: Rouge Dior Lipstick in Nude, $32

(top image via pinterest)

stacked

These Black & Tan heels by Schuler & Sons found their way into my closet this weekend. Cut out in all the rights places, this combination neutral block shoe makes me say va-va-voom.

Perfect for transitioning from late summer to fall, these babies would also look rocking with a pair of black tights. Don't mind if I do!

Black & Tan heels, Anthropologie, $148.

(images via anthro)

clare vivier striped clutch

Like most gals, fall shopping has been on my mind lately. While I know I should be practical and invest in boots and jackets, I'm seriously coveting clutches.

California designer Clare Vivier's striped clutch has it going on. Get a load of this baby!

Spotted on two of my favorite daily reads, Cupcakes and Cashmere...

and Tomboy Style.

For an extra $50 you can have your tote personalized. Isn't it a charming look?

Available at Shopbop for a cool $173.

P.S. Remember these tribal screenprinted clutches from a few weeks ago? These would also make a great compliment to almost any fall ensemble!

(images via shopbop, cupcakes and cashmere and tomboy style)

a swell getup for...date night with the mister

Ah-the jumpsuit...such a passing fad...

Every few years it seems these make a comeback. I've always laughed them off as one of those trends our children would tease us for wearing one day. So how can it be that lately I can't stop daydreaming about owning one?

There is something so subtly sexy about a jumpsuit that feels perfect for a romantic night out with the mister.

The silhouette of this royal purple version is working in all the right ways--the wide, flowing legs and the tailored sleeveless top? Whoa, mama.

What a perfect piece to take you from warm summer nights to cooler fall evenings. Wouldn't this also look tasty with a buttery brown leather jacket?

A sparkly necklace, a smart clutch and a rocking pair of heels have me craving some candlelit canoodling at the Patterson House.

Get the look below.

Jumpsuit: halter belted jumpsuit, Warehouse, $120
Clutch: similar grey envelope clutch, Svpply, $100
Necklaces: crystal circle necklace and Venus Fly Trap crystal necklace, both J. Crew, $85 and 135
Watch: bow watch, Kate Spade, $195
Shoes: Sydney snakeskin sandals, J. Crew, $200
Lipstick: Luminous Fresh Pink Peach, YSL, $32
Eyeliner:  Crayon Yeux Liner in Earth Brown, Revlon, $12

(image via barrett adair)

natful

Somehow the last days of summer are upon us. In spite of our fears about the infamous August heat waves here in Nashville, the past few mornings have been almost autumnal.

Still, with a only few more weeks until Labor Day, may I share with you the easy, breezy, beautiful indie label natful by Nataly Elian. Based in Tel Aviv, this label's Etsy shop embodies everything I love about simple and effortless summer style.

Take a gander here. Doesn't this line have a total Jemima Kirke vibe?

The shop is rocking a pretty killer sale which comes in handy for those of us really looking to make those last few weeks of summer count.

a swell getup for...dinner with the girls

Maybe it's the "back-to-school" vibe getting the best of me, but late summer always leaves me leaning toward neutral shades like tan and brown as I daydream about sprucing up the wardrobe with new boots and blazers.

The problem? It stays warm (and by warm I mean almost hot) here in Nashville until almost October. How's a girl to transition without missing all the fun?

A breezy button in the perfect shade of camel, a pair of high waisted denim jeans and the cutest cut out Oxfords I've ever seen seem like a good place to start. Pair with balanced wristfuls of tied on bracelets and a mean bowler bag and I think it's time for a cocktail, gals.

Red nails optional.

Get the look below.

camel blouse: Equipment, $370, donnaida.com
leather tote: Madewell, $168
bracelets: Vanessa Mooney "Tie Me On" bracelets, $45 for 3, Bloomingdales
nail polish: Essie "Lollipop," $16, The Cosmetic Market
cutout Oxfords: $199, shopcolico.com
high waisted jeans: J Brand, $380, Bloomingdales

(top image via style umbrella)

billy reid shindig

S and I have been longtime fans of Billy Reid's. His clothes blend modern, rugged edge with Southern gentility. I'd be a liar to say that we've often been able to resist their charm.

Back in NYC we would frequent the shop on Bowery and 2nd. After all, where else in the East Village could you find the perfect gauzy white button up and Southern Foodways Alliance t shirt?

When we started coming down to Nashville last summer, we were stoked to learn that TN has an outpost. (see post here). Over the past year, we've gotten to be pretty good pals with the people who work there, and they've all been wonderfully supportive of the business venture that brought us back South.

So when our friend Bentley shared that Justin Townes Earle was playing a small show at the shop last night, let's just say we were more than a little stoked.

There were tasty snacks, strong whiskey cocktails and only about 50 people in attendance. JTE played most of our favorites. The setting made for a pretty rad way to see him perform...and we should know!

Check out a few seconds of  "Memphis in the Rain" to get a vibe for the low-lit show.

As for libations, Bentley was whipping up the signature "Billy." Recipe to follow in a later post!

P.S. S also left with this dapper pair of suede lace ups he scored for a steal. Not too shabby.

P.P.S. Did I mention that Nashville is awesome?