Thursday, April 14, 2016

10 Spring Essentials for the Men

Today I wanted to share a few Spring picks for the men.   These would make perfect gifts for Father's Day which is right around the corner and any upcoming Birthdays.   I love all the fresh bright blues and greens for the men this Spring.   
Many of these finds are under $100 so they won't break the bank.
Read on to see my top 10 Spring Essentials for the Men!  

men spring fashion



I prefer the fit of Lacoste polos, they are not quite as boxy as other polos.  I really love this bright blue color.

I am kind of obsessed with driving loafers for men.  I especially love them paired with shorts.  These come in brown, red and navy.  All perfect colors for Spring! 
I really like this style as well and they come in about 7 color options.
They are under $100


I love these because they are sleek and have the same look and fit as jeans but are chinos.  Matt is frequently looking for business casual pants that can double for work and the weekends and these are perfect.  They come in 12 colors.  I love this light gray color and the saffron blue.




I love this Ray Ban style for the men.  I feel like it is super flattering on every face size.
also in this cool green color

I love these light weight sweaters for the men.  They are perfect for the in between Spring weather we have been having and they are under $100
I also really like the solid navy.  Would be great for work too paired over a plaid button-up.

I really like the nautical theme on these swim trunks.  They are good length because I feel like sometimes swim suits can be too short or crazy long.

Matt loves the non-iron shirts for work.  I am loving this fresh blue/white stripe for Spring.

These are a favorite of my dad, brother and Matt.  They come in a bunch of different colors.  They wash and wear well.


I love a man in a pull over.  I don't know what it is but I really like this causal look.    This Vineyard Vines version is under $100.

Another version also in 4 color options.

These are great alone to toss on with jeans or shorts or you could even use the white ones as undershirts.  They come in a pack of 2 for only $22.
If your man prefers crewneck I like this style with the pocket and embroidered fish on the pocket.
This plain crewneck style is only $10

I shared this outfit a few weeks ago but wanted to show it again. The shirt and sweater Matt is wearing are ones he wears frequently.  They are both light weight and look great alone or paired together.  He paired them with jeans but they also look great with chinos. 




I always think Nordstrom has the best selection for men and I love how easy their returns are.  Don't forget they price match too!





Thanks to Nordstrom for partnering on this post!





Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Greek Nachos + Stripes On Sale + Shop Loft Friends and Family Event Early!


Where have these nachos been all my life??  You see I love nachos but I have only really had the traditional kind piled high with Mexican goodness.   These nachos are different, healthy actually and so amazing.  Perfect for lunch, dinner or an appetizer.  I made my own pita chips by toasting the bread with oil and spices and they really take these nachos to the next level.  But if you are feeling lazy and want to skip a step store bought pita chips would work just fine.   I had all intentions of adding feta to this recipe but forgot, so add that on top if you want.  I think the feta would provide a nice creaminess with a slight salty edge.  I used soppressata as the meat on these because I had some left over but you could really use any type of salami, shredded chicken, or no meat at all.  These are best served right after you make them because the nachos will get get soggy the longer they sit.
This has all the flavors of my favorite Greek salad but piled on crispy pita chips!
Enjoy!


|| G R E E K  N A C H O S ||

- 4 whole wheat pitas
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 baby cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced
- handful kalamata olives sliced
- handful pepperoncinis sliced
-soppressata or salami sliced into thin strips
- 1- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup good hummus
- 1/2 cup tzatziki
- olive oil
- salt, pepper and cayenne spices

Cut the pita into wedges.  Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil olive.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne.  Toast at 350 degrees about 10-15 minutes until crispy.  I turned them over once towards the end of the baking time just to slightly crisp the other side as well.

Place chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and bell pepper in a bowl.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Drizzle with a little olive oil and the red wine vinegar and toss all together.

Remove pita chips from oven and let cool.  Assemble on a platter and top with chopped veggie mix and salami.  Then scoop on a large spoonful of hummus and tzatziki in the middle.  Top with sliced pepperoncinis and feta if desired.


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I showed this Alice and Olivia dress yesterday but today you can save $50 off the price with code INC50.   
Sizing wise I am wearing an XS, it ran slightly on the large side.
It is fully lined and I really like the cut of the dress and the bright stripes.  It looks great with wedges, flats or heels if you want a dressier look.


I picked up this blouse over the weekend.  I saw it through the store window and fell in love with the bright neon stripes. As I have mentioned before Banana Republic is very hit or miss for me but I was pleasantly surprised with this blouse.  Sizing wise it is pretty TTS.  I tried on both the XS and small.  The XS fit but it was just a touch snug in my hips so I went with a small.  I don't mind a loose boxy fit in a blouse. The material is very nice and thick.  Plus the blouse is under $70.
Sunglasses are Sicky's a new brand to me, but I really like them.  They stay on my face and don't fall down like many Ray-Ban do.  

I also wanted to share The Loft Friends and Family Event starts a day early if you have a Loft card.  You can take 40% off everything.   Tomorrow it opens to everyone if you don't have a Loft card.
Use code PREVIEW
I am ordering this blouse and beach romper.

A few recent favorites.
I can't tell you how often I wear this.  It is great for church or during the day paired with flats.

Off Shoulder Blouse  (wearing XS)
Shirtdress (wearing size small)



Romper (wearing size small)





Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Scenes From Dallas + What I Wore


I got back from Dallas Sunday and since I flew thru Charlotte I decided to stay and spend the night so  I could celebrate my nephew's third Birthday.  Between the party and snuggling with Sterling and Frances who I missed dearly I didn't have time to do a post yesterday.  So, today I wanted to share some pics from my Dallas trip this past weekend.    As I mentioned before this is my third year going for this blogger conference.  It is always an excellent time!

I flew out and roomed with Caycee and Ashley who are two of my good friends here in Charleston.  We had a celebratory glass of wine pre-flight! 


The view from our window leaving Charleston!


Thursday night was a fun rooftop pool party.  The pool at The Joule (were we stayed) is one of the most beautiful pools.
Pictured with Courtney, Ashley, and Caycee

Friday morning we ordered room service.  When I am out of town room service is my guilty pleasure.   This breakfast sandwich was crazy good.

I wore this off shoulder Rebecca Taylor dress for meetings that day.
Dress also here (both are on sale)  | Necklace | Shoes | Purse

We snuck away to Neiman Marcus for a little lunch and shopping.  I love the flagship Neiman Marcus in Dallas.  The food is delicious at the Zodiak Restaurant on the 6th floor there.
I had the Shrimp Salad and it was awesome.  I love the idea of adding in quinoa to a salad, I am planning to try this at home!

That night they had a big party at The Eye.
Stripe Dress | Clutch | Wedges are old Similar here | Earrings



The Eye is always such a cool setting for a party. I loved all the white paper globes they hung up everywhere.

Saturday I wore this white macrame blouse with jeans for our partial day of meetings.


A close up of the details.

We tried to get in some pool time but after about an hour and a half it turned rainy and chilly so we had to to head in.  But we did get to enjoy one cocktail and a fun lunch rooftop!  I was lucky enough to snag this swimsuit half off during a flash sale and it is one of my favorites.  The fit is awesome.


The Joule has the cutest store that I love to stop in when I am in town.  I loved these giant balls, they would be so cool in a play room.

Happy hour spread in our room while we got ready for the party that night.

Saturday night was a white party held at the Opera House.  
I can't say enough great things about this dress, I just adore it.  It also comes in black and runs TTS.
Dress | Earrings are Moon and Lola but not online yet | Purse
We ended up getting stuck in the hotel elevator on our way to head to the party.   Luckily it was only about 15 minutes or I would have had a full on panic attack!  This sweet man helped get us out!
A view of the party walking in.  It was a really cool setting.

Sunday it was back to reality and time to head home.  I always enjoy the conference weekend but by Sunday I am missing my family like crazy!  
This Barrington tote is a favorite I always travel with.  The size is perfect to use as your carry on in the airplane because it slides right under the seat.  I usually carry this and then a smaller purse inside with my wallet etc.
Thankful I was able to get to my nephew Finley's birthday party Sunday night!  My dad picked me up at the airport and we went straight to his party.  I was exhausted but so happy to be back safely and with my family.




Outfit Details are all Below:)