Laugh Out Loud... Seriously

TBMF-style. That is all.

ellen&ollie

I had the pleasure of seeing these BEAUTIFUL creations from a fellow Carolina girl (a South Carolina girl, though ;-)) by the name of Molly at Accessorize with Pi Phi a few weeks ago. They are too awesome to not share!



While not only are the pattern choices and colors fantastic, the cuts and styles of ellen&ollie garments are fashion-forward (without being too trendy) and very flattering for any body type!



Check out the website/blog... you'll definitely want to add it to your Google Reader and stop in at any of the SC retailers who are carrying the Ellen & Ollie line.SC Retailers include:

M Boutique
2820 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
http://www.shopmboutique.com/

Sugar
203 Waller Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29646
http://www.scsugar.com/

la di da
located inside Birds of a Feather on Hwy 160
Fort Mill, SC

blake&brady
140 North Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624You can become a fan on facebook, too - where images of new garments (dresses, skirts, etc.) are added regularly!


{Images: from ellen&ollie's blog and facebook page}

Around Town: Wardrobe Repurposing

How do you take wardrobe pieces that don't work individually (either for fit or season) and extend their presence in your closet? Mix and match!

The white with blue polka dots cap-sleeve button-down I have on the bottom layer of this of this outfit is super cute, but too short (as a short girl with a long torso, this is a common problem for me) - so I usually have to wear it with a long tank under it.

The cream/khaki colored tube top layer usually only gets to be worn during the summer (it's reversible with super cute stripes, just FYI).

Put them together... perfect for fall's cooler temps!

PS - Click on the image to enlarge.

WANT: Fall Staple - Monogrammed Pashmina

I'm thinking I'm going to need one of these monogrammed pashminas in black with red monogramming for any chilly Wolfpack tailgates and football games!

IE: Tomorrow. Dang. I didn't plan that one out very well.


Although... I'm not left out in the cold!

The entire E. Riley-Dorn wedding entourage received red pashminas as bridal party gifts just this past February - perfect for all of us State girls (see below)!

Big props go out to Mrs. (YES, MRS. - it still trips me out to write that) E. {Riley} Dorn for the great taste and outfitting the always classy look for tomorrow's big game vs. USC!

Rest assured, I can get by with my current selection of red or green pashminas, but one more never hurts! I hate having to pick one color to live with for good - a girl needs options! (That is yet another E. Riley Dorn principle, that every well-dressed woman should wardrobe by.)

And I do have some time until fall temperature actually set in for real. I can't imagine that the 90 degree days are actually legitimately over. I mean, I HAVE lived in NC my whole life... I know it doesn't actually work that way. (True Life: I'm also one of the many people that almost passed out at the NCSU vs. Clemson game two years ago when it went from a 60 degree tailgate to a 90 degree ballgame. I went home at half-time to shower and spend the rest of the day in the AC... something I never do.)

Long story short, monogrammed pashminas. At Swagger (in-store or online). $34.00.

New eBoutique on the Block: Dixie Patches

I usually keep the "New Boutique on the Block" title for new local brick-and-mortar boutiques, but you really can't blame any entrepreneur(s) for going online instead of battling the extraordinary cost of commercial/retail rent!

DixiePatches has a sunny color scheme and website that's easy on the eyes and most of their photography is chock full of Southern charm. The logo is a little hard to decipher at first, but after first look you can pick out the outline of our fair Southern states. Even going two color would probably make it easier to read.

There are only a few merchandise options in each category (Southern Charms, Southern Belles, Southern Gentlemen, Dixie Dogs, and Fishin'/Huntin'/Tailgatin'), but one would guess there is a lot more to come in their future. I also don't know any guy who hunts in a button down and bow tie, but I really like where they're going with that. One should always "dress for success", right? ;-)

Overall, I think this site is a best bet for Southern Gentlemen: Friendly price points for hats and bow ties. I also see the camo cooler in the boyfriend's future.

Full disclaimer: I automatically love any company that sends a free koozie your way for signing up for their email list. Other than the fact that I love the premise of this whole site too, I'll still tried to this review as objective as possible. I'm crossing my fingers that the emails are no more often than once a month and might include a sale or coupon or two!

Big thanks to Hula Girl for posting about it today... what fabulous things to share: Southern favorites and tailgatin' goods!

{Double Post} Tervis Giveaway on Swagger's Facebook "Public Profile"

Swagger Gifts is giving away one of the most coveted accessories in blogland... and no, it has nothing to do with Lilly Pulitzer.It's the Big-T (24 oz.) Tervis Tumbler (MadMariner.com calls them "Terrific")!!!

These bad boys keep your cold drinks cold, hot drinks hot, don't sweat, you can't break 'em, AND they are dishwasher safe. I'm drinking lemonade out of my "Pi Beta Phi" Big-T as I write this... and getting pumped about investing a whole set of these for the days on the beach, lake, tailgates, and boooooat.

Click on the picture above and go directly to Swagger's post on facebook to comment to win - it ends this Friday (so do it by Thursday night, just to be safe).

When you "Become a Fan" of Swagger on facebook, you'll receive weekly updates on each new giveaway. You should also subscribe to the blog, too - that's where the winner is announced!

They're Like Sorority Shirts... for Southerners!

Well, "sorority shirts" and "Southerners" aren't particularly mutually exclusive (in case your degrees didn't require two statistics courses) either though.

Back to the point - all the rage amongst the Southern bloggers lately (including one of my personal favorites):
Their categories seem to encompass three major areas of apparel - t-shirts, thongs, and accessories. Yup, you read that right. Apparently though, thongs are getting their own section, they must hot sellers. But you ladies would never tell, right? *See note at bottom.

Why do I feel like the following is something that Lisa S. and I have said to friends (and younger sisters, alike):For Adrianne:I can't see youuuuuuuu:
Ok, that's enough. Y'all can look through the gallery just as well as I can.

Back to my original point - SouthernBellStore.com?

Two thumbs up!

PS - It definitely took 10 more minutes of wandering around that site to figure out that thongs, weren't "thongs". They were FLOPS. Mind out of the gutter Lisa, mind out of the gutter! *Slaps forehead* (Like I said though, we call them flops here. Flip flops or the branded options - "Rainbows" or "Jack Rogers", to be exact.)

PS #2 - Free shipping on all orders! Done. Deal.

2009 Colors of the Year

From Simply Stated:"2008


2009


Every year the color gurus at Pantone work their magic and decide on the color of the upcoming year. 2008 was the year of Blue Iris, a deep purple-blue that according to Pantone 'satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.' I seem to remember from a design class that purple always shows up during times of anxiety (which is appropriate for 2008).

But thankfully, 2009 is a different story. Pantone has deemed it the year of Mimosa. The sunny yellow is a lot more upbeat: 'In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.'"Although it's really more of a shade of blue than purple, pair last year with this year and those colors look very ECU-appropriate to me (especially when mimosas are involved - breakfast tailgate anyone?).

Go Pirates!

Stimulating the Economy...

Mary Phillips style!





Koozies range from $3.50 to $6.00. Make some new friends at the bar (with your same great snarky attitude) and fill those stockings with (spiked) cheer!

My BFF

...has some great one-liners:"I don't know what tree he picks his money from, but I don't have one so.. I'm like 'chill buddy'."In reference to her new hubby's Christmas wish list which includes "some ear muff things" for hunting (totally technical term) that are like $150 and a laser scope for his gun and some other little gadget (again, totally technical term) ranging in the $250's.

Luckily, he is also a HUGE Wolfpack fan and fellow NCSU alum, so she can add a few stocking stuffers without breaking the bank thanks to the Alumni Collection's two-day event:Two Day End of the Year Sale!
Up to 75% off the entire collection!

DAY 1:
Monday, Dec 1 - 9AM-6PM

Only at:
Park Alumni Center
2450 Alumni Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606

DAY 2:
Tuesday, Dec 2 - 12AM-11:59PM

Only online at:
www.ncstatealumnicollection.com

The NC State Alumni Collection is open to everyone.
*Alumni Association member discount does not apply during the sale.Up to 75% off ain't too shabby, huh?

Who Says Flasks are Just for Boys?

Not a chance.
(From Urban Outfitters, via HWTM)At only $18, those are worth buying in each design!

Update: I Can SO Pull Them Off...

Remember this post from back in February?

..."Nick seems to think I'm not 'long-legged' enough to pull off the look... blasphemy. All it takes is a cute pair of wedge sandals or heels. (Although mine will most likely end up paired with ballet flats or cute flat sandals if I get them tailored.) Either way: it'll still happen."Well, well, well Mr. Pessimistic... what have we here?Still loving these pants!

The upside of a boyfriend with UNC season tickets (while I am a die-hard Wolfpack girl), is that I can still wear silver blue seersucker pants (not to be confused with Carolina blue) clear through the entire fall season! Bonus points for me!

Reminder: Southern Proper "Tailgate and Ties" Trunk Show

(original blog post)

Check out the facebook update from Southern Proper or the facebook event to RSVP for this great event!
Host: Southern Proper®
Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Varsity Men's Wear - Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC

Contact Info
Phone: 9197822570
Email: reagan@southernproper.comBe sure to track down NCSU's Southern Proper "Belle" (and my little Pi Phi sister!) - Mary Lauren - and tell her how awesome of an event it is... because I know it will be!

WANT: Wolfpack Necklace

Tiffany-inspired much? I love it... and I DOUBLE love the price.

North Carolina State Wolfpack Silver Tone Chain Logo Necklace

Price: $15.95

Wear your team spirit around your neck with the Chain Logo Necklace. Features silver tone team logo and toggle closure. Approximately 17" in length.Perfect for cheering on my Wolfpack!

What All You Well-Dressed Gentlemen Have Been Waiting For...

...and also for us southern girls who love a sharp-dressed man!Southern Proper "Tailgates and Ties" Trunk Show
Preppy and Football...It's What We Do.

Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Varsity Men's Wear, Crabtree Valley Mall

Stop by Varsity Friday before the NCSU vs ECU football game to get all your tailgating essentials, bowties, neckties, Proper Polos, and more! There may even be a free gift with purhase like croakies and koozies!

Ladies, come by and pick something up to surprise your beau!

Also, get the chance to meet the original belles of the business. Emmie and Reagan will be visiting from Atlanta for this special event.

Feel free to invite all your friends!Kisses to my lovely little Pi Phi - and fellow NCSU COT girl - Mary Lauren for sending me the scoop!

VS Adds Collegiate Collection

Maybe I'd be more excited if NCSU made the list of ~33 schools in the collection. Natch, that silly hue of blue just down the road is available, but I attribute that to the national exposure in basketball, yadda, yadda, yadda, and its never-ending success as a Wal-Mart favorite for its fans who actually have no affiliation.

Just kidding - did that sound bitter enough? Good, because I really am. However, I bet those LSU girls are effing stoked!

As some of you may remember, I've always been a supporter of Buzz & Berly because let's face it... the apparel you can buy at the bookstore usually sucks, is tacky, and doesn't fit. Buzz & Berly is a GREAT local option for classy game-day necessities. I'd put money that VS's collegiate line probably looks and fits like it should too - even if it's just for around the dorm/house and 8am classes. (Note: There's no excuse for bumming to any class after 8am. At least if you're going to do it - do it well and wear your team colors.)

So, I shall sadly wait until the day NCSU comes on board... oh wait... the collegiate line will probably be a thing of the past once the Wolfpack gets with it.

Holy Emails!

I tell you what, you take one morning out of your life for a 3-hour Spanish final exam and the retail world really sends you some lovin'!Jen Trend's BOGO Arbonne Sale
Sale runs through Sunday, June 29th, 2008.
Choose any product and get the second one free. Free item will be of equal or lesser value. Items cannot be from the business aids section (ie. Makeup brushes, palettes, catalogs, etc).You do not have to choose the same product for the second item. Taxes and shipping will be added at checkout. You must place the order directly through me to obtain sale discount. No additional discounts apply. Call her to place your order at: 919.440.8605. To place an order thru e-mail, write BOGO SALE in subject line and include items of interest.

Under Armour: 2 Days of Free Shipping
Stock up on their outlet stuff for free shipping with NO MINIMUM!
Enter the shipping code at checkout: 3AXRTKM4

ShopBop.com: 20% off today only!
Enter HEATWAVE08 at checkout before midnight (PST?) to snag a nice 20% off non-sale dresses, tops, and bottoms.

$3.50 Koozies @ Mary Phillips
"I have a PHD in beach cocktails" or "Taken / Not Taken" (choose the side of your koozie to face outward for your designated status of the moment!). By the way, since they're on sale, exchange my "or" for "AND" - and take both!Apparently, Tuesday is the new Saturday when it comes to retail sales. Guess this is the new face of online retail - but I'm not complaining!

Wait, wait, almost forgot:NC State Alumni Collection Clearance Sale
The entire store is 10-50% off!
Two days only: Tuesday, June 24 - Wednesday, June 25

The NC State Alumni Collection is open to everyone! 10 percent member discount does not apply to the sale.

Discounts are just one benefit of Alumni Association membership.
Join today to show your NC State pride and take advantage of all the benefits of membership.Ok, had to give Cody some credit too!

Get Your Tailgates Ready...

From Swagger's "Manic Monday" blog special (where every Monday - and other random days in between - you can snag special blog only savings for the store or on the website!):Chill in Style
You've got your monogrammed koozie, your beverages of choice, and that boring old ice chest that in the past has been known as the cooler. Boo to that.

Any totally coordinated tailgater like myself knows that monogrammed coolers are the perfect complement to any day on the boat, lunch by the pool, or (the fall sport we're all so anxiously awaiting) football tailgate! (For now, I think I can settle for the classic American sport that still allows you to bring your own snacks and brews in to the stands: NASCAR. For those of you who think I'm crazy for uttering those words... just google pictures of the adorable Casey Kahne or Carl Edwards... you'll be at the next race within three states to try and catch a climpse of these racecar hotties! Anyways - I digress.)

Stop by Swagger today between 10am and 6pm and get your monogrammed cooler in an array of colors (NC State Red for this Wolfpack girl!) with your initials, your family name, or your sorority's name embroidered across the front so that any WOW-ed fellow tailgaters will know who to ask for when looking for recommendations for storing their next chilled beverages. For today's blog special, you'll also save 15% by printing this blog or mentioning it in the store for those of you going green!

Definitely add Swagger's feed to your daily read list. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Like Any of My Friends Need a Reminder...

But for those of you who do, from Swagger:
Just throwing that out there... take it or leave it (but I do hope you take it ).

And the beauty of this little blog update - in true "I'm Ready for the Weekend!" fashion - is the above pictured wine stopper is this month's Thirsty 3rd Thursday blog special!

Grab this subtle wine stopper (AND ALL OTHER WINE STOPPERS for that matter) for 15% off today at Swagger until 6pm!

Be a good friend and stock up for any of your gal pals who may also enjoy a "subtle" reminder too!

Just print this blog or tell 'em Gina (or Lisa!) sent ya and you needed a reminder that a little fun never hurt anyone!

I mean, not that we'd ever a leave a bottle unfinished... but sometimes, we could all use a little reminder that fun is always welcome.

Tucker Blair - Classically Casual

Taylor Llewellyn sent me a nice little email about the new line, Tucker Blair, and mentioned that the preppy products are similar to my blogging interests... spot-on!

Check out the new line and the blog when you have some time.

Don't let the $100+ price point scare you off... these handcrafted belts are, as noted on the website:

"All of our finished belts are designed in the United States and 100 % handcrafted by our group of needle workers. Our designers and needle crafters work closely together to ensure detail and design accuracy in every belt. Each belt is 1.25” wide, with 100% wool stitching, and backed on dark brown full grain leather. Our classically casual belts can be dressed up for a cocktail party or dressed down for a round of golf, whichever your preference. And remember. This isn’t your father’s belt, and it probably won’t be your son’s. It’s yours."It's hard to pick favorites, but I'm partial to:

I expect to see these on boats and at tailgates very soon...