All-American Weekend with Southern Proper (+ Giveaway!)

Hi friends, I hope you had a wonderful long weekend! We visited Lake Anna in VA with family for a good 'ol all-American time. I'm so excited to bring you this post today, where I not only share my favorites from Southern Proper's new women's line, but also give you the chance to win $190 worth of sweet, sweet Southern Proper swag!

Tote - Towel - Coozie

We've been fans of Southern Proper for quite some time, these are actually Ryan's favorite shorts and their tees are so soft and cute. That's why I obsessed over their new women's line when it became available and why I was so excited to meet their team at The Southern C Summit where I first saw these gorgeous shoes.

Top - Shoes

After work when it came time to pack for the weekend, I grabbed the Bluffton Tote which is the perfect size for a long weekend. I've had other totes similar to this one that folks swear by, but this is by far the most quality one yet (more details on how to win one, worth $125, soon). 

Speaking of work, how great is this blue and tan Scallop Dress for work and play?! Its muted tone and silhouette keep it professional, but the scallop details and buttons keep it fun.

I paired the dress with my favorite wedges from Tory Burch (similar, on sale), monogrammed Marley Lilly hat (under $30!), Charleston rice beads in rose gold worn as a bracelet and Anthropologie sunglasses (similar).

Aren't these details awesome?! This is along the front of the dress too, I feel like you usually only see this along the back in other dresses.

Once we got all settled in, it was time to don our suits and hit the lake. I swiped Ryan's Original Tee as a cover up and have officially claimed this Performance Hat in Aqua as my own ;). Not to mention, I'm super jealous of whoever wins the giveaway which includes this big, soft pink towel because it is awesome.

As for my Memorial Day outfit of choice, y'all are gunna die, look below at this perfect gingham popover (with scallop collar!) and tassel flats...

I paired this perfect popover with my white JCrew jeans, only the most perfect flats, my essential gold Tory earrings and my Le Specs sunnies.

Isn't the scallop collar so cute?!

What are y'all's favorites? If you love the scallop trim dress, check out this skirt too, so cute!

Now... for the fun part! I've partnered with Southern Proper to giveaway $190 worth of goods. By entering below with only four super easy steps you can win: The Bluffton Tote in Natural Canvas, the Go A Little Overboard Beach Towel in Punch and a Red Seersucker Coozie!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be announced Tuesday, June 7th on my Facebook page and directly!

Huge thank you to my Mom who shot these photos for me this weekend! Check out her blog here.

5 Things I Need Your Advice On Now!

Hola guys. Has this felt like the longest week ever to anyone else? Every morning I woke up, I always seemed to think it was the next day. We had a sick little girl at the beginning of the week and I just couldn't seem catch up on my sleep. Hence feeling basic here and while it's not the most glamorous, sharing this :).  

Today I thought I'd try something different for my Five on Friday (previous post). Here are five things I am looking for advice on this week, like seriously could use some help y'all, lend a girl a hand. Comment below or let me know on Instagram or Facebook.

clockwise: paris, dress, skincare, workout

{ONE}

Your favorite skin care products? 

I need a new skin care routine that won't blow the budget and is really low maintenance. I loved Rodan & Fields but I'm taking a pause to try out some new things. I'm loving the organic/natural skin care movement right now too, so would especially love any suggestions there.

Update: I've recently heard about the Nexacell anti-aging skin care line and while I've heard mixed reviews about the subscription setup (much like R&F), it sounds like something good to try. Any thoughts?

via

{TWO}

Paris. All things Paris. 

I'm so completely overwhelmed in planning our trip to Paris. Where to stay? Best restaurant splurge? Best patisserie? Must-see sights? Things we can skip? What to pack?! It will be both my and Ryan's first time in the city and we only have 3 1/2 days. Help, pahlease!

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{THREE}

Formal gown for a southern summer wedding? 

Shopping has never been a problem for me, until now. I can't find the right dress to wear to a formal wedding we have in June at Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. Do I risk doing rent the runway, I'm such a shorty? There's a fine line between maxi and formalwear, send me links to your favs!

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(ps: love McKenna Bleu's blog)

{FOUR}

Fun/motivating/effective workouts. 

Losing weight and being a skinny minnie ain't always been my thang if you know what I mean ;). Yet summer has me wanting to really kick into gear the shedding of those last lbs. I packed on during pregnancy. Any tips for me? When do you workout? DVD or gym or class or running?

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{FIVE}

What blog post/s would you like to see coming up? 

I have so many posts to share still from our SC adventures (Charleston, Sully's birthday, weddings) that I feel like my normal posts are going by the wayside. Would you like to see more home-centric/decorating posts? Sully/mommyhood posts? Fashion? 20 Questions/Confessions/About Me? 

I know that's a lot, I'm just feeling a bit cluttered here lately, know what I mean? Would love your thoughts on one or all of the above! And don't forget to check out my experience at Zero George in Charleston (kinda proud of this post) and my fav new summer Lilly releases here.

Now that Sully is almost at 100%, we're looking forward to heading to the lake nearby with my family for Memorial Day weekend. I'm hoping this will help me catch up and clear my head. Have any big plans this weekend?

Here's who I'm teaming up with today on this Five on Friday: A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and The Good Life.

Lilly Pulitzer Summer 2016 New Arrivals

Hi friends, we've been dealing with a sick little one these past few days, the doctor said she's on the tail end of a viral infection (thank you for all the tips on Insta!). This stage is the worst though, she cries every second at the drop of a coin, but at least her temp has gone down as it got up to 102. The weather has certainly matched the mood with all the rain, that's for sure. I can't wait for sunnier, warmer temps this week and for Sully to perk up too! 

In honor of sunnier days, popping in to share a quick post on my absolute favs from the most recent summer release from Lilly, these pieces are all calling my name (or already have ;)). Oh and don't miss the fun promotion they just announced. Enjoy!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 (+ tote) // 8 // 9 

From previous posts y'all know my favorite styles are the popovers (are you kidding me with the lace sleeve?!), Elsa's, Dusk dresses and tanks and of course their t-shirt dresses (I just added this one to my collection). My striped t-shirt dress from many years ago might have seen its last day, so I'm definitely eyeing the brighter blue one featured above. And the new Out to Sea print might just be one of my favorites yet!

What are you loving? 

Click the images below to see more photos and shop (+ a few favs not included above)!

Cocktails at Zero George in Downtown Charleston

I found your favorite place for cocktails and delicious eats with a classic southern historic view in downtown Charleston – Zero George Café + Bar. I’ve known about Zero George for some time, but thought of it purely as a luxury hotel and a bit inaccessible to be honest.

Well goodness was I wrong y’all! I’m actually almost mad that I’ve been missing out on this place during all our recent visits to Charleston for weddings and other events over the past couple years. And let's be honest, compared to DC prices, its really no biggie. 

~Ok, let me set this up for you… you’re wandering down historic George Street after a day of shopping three blocks away on King Street and you're ready for that perfect, not too sweet cocktail to cool your lips from the inevitable humidity looming all around. You arrive at two iron gates that open up to a beautiful garden and old brick landing surrounded by possibly the five most gorgeous Charleston structures you’ve ever seen. Directly in front of you sits four retro blue bikes ready for a stroll. Look to your right and make sure to wave hello to the couple as sweet as that tea they're sippin' on the front porch right outside their room.

After this moment of bliss, you turn left, walk up to the Kitchen Carriage House and step over the perfectly patina’d transom where you’re greeted by friendly staff and most surprisingly, a gorgeous and quaint kitchen full of beautiful cookware and chefs hard at work.

You are then seated, a matter in which you have many options both inside and out. Peruse the menu that has your mouth watering and leads you to have the barkeep’s recommendation. After all, how is one to choose between the American Surrealist made of whiskey and lavender syrup (pictured below), or The Red Scare made of tequila and habanero simple syrup.

Photo courtesy of the lovely Alexandra Bee Blog

Next are some eats for the table, an easy decision when the first two menu items are not-so-traditional “Deviled Eggs” which not only contain an option with black truffle, but also one with caviar. Next on the menu is the Grass Fed Tenderloin Tartare with, and I quote, “Hen Egg Botarga”. Trust me, it’s all you could ever dream of when it comes to a small plate.

The drink and food orders go on. Before you know it, the sun is setting and you realize why even locals are clamoring to stay just a stone's throw away at the accommodations on the grounds. It is truly somewhere you never want to leave and will always be craving a trip back.~

Do you see what I mean? This is why I am counting down the days to my next visit (we already have reservations for our trip in June!). All the above photos are from my visit while I was down for the Southern C Summit (day 1, day 2, day 3). I met up with the below bloggers and really enjoyed the time out in our private room with champagne, cocktails and delicious noshes. A HUGE thank you to Byrdhouse PR who helped organize this fabulous get together!  

From left to right: Tiffany of Skipping Breakfast at Tiffany's, Allie of Alexandra Bee Blog, Paula of Paula Rallis, Yours Truly and Meg of Borrowed Heaven

I was so excited to meet these two wonderful ladies y'all! I've been following along for awhile and am completely in love with their blogs! From left to right, you know Allie, then we have Cayce of Hanging with the Hewitts and Ashley of Sweet Southern Prep.

What are your favorite places in Charleston for cocktails?

That's A Wrap - The Southern C Summit, Day 3!

The Southern C Summit I attended down in Charleston with Allie seemed to just zoom by. Before I could even blink we were attending the final events on Friday, and let me just tell ya, they were spectacular! When your day starts with Charleston Power Yoga and Coolibar on the beautiful rooftop of the perfectly pink Mills House, you know it's going to be a good day. 

I couldn't help but snap the below photo of the beautiful Charleston streets while we were waiting on our Uber (which is a shame to do in in this town because the streets are so beautiful, unless you're in a hurry that is like we were). This is seriously one of the most gorgeous places on earth you guys and our weather couldn't have been more perfect. I mean...

After two days of awesome sessions and networking - see Day 1 here and Day 2 here - it was nice to unwind at the Le Creuset Atelier which is just across the bridge from the Charleston most folks know, so it lends a gorgeous view of the marsh and Holy City beyond. 

Outfit details: On Allie - Ray-Ban Aviators, David Yurman hoops, top from Anthropologie (sold out, love this chevron option), Moon & Lola XL Monogram Necklace, J Brand coral jeans, on sale, Billie Reid clutch, Gorjana bracelet, Target sandals; On Me - Le Specs sunglasses, Tiffany Elsa Peretti necklace (I never take this off!), ASOS dress (sold out, similar), Stella & Dot clutch, tassel from my Rebecca Minkoff crossbody, Jack Rogers

How do I even begin to explain my love for this brand you guys? Quality cookware still made in France, any color your little heart could desire (right now they even have a pink color called Hibiscus!) and they're heirloom pieces that you pass down for generations. Love. Love. Love.

It was so cool not only to see the unique pieces around the office, but also how the partners there incorporated the cookware into their stations. As for food, the pork belly and pimento rolls were by far my favorite, although the quail eggs were quite a treat too!

Richland Rum at the Southern Ground booth

Can you tell I'm lovin' on Snapchat more and more these days?! The photo above and below are from the platform. It's now my favorite place to share and connect, name: ephilli. 

It was really bittersweet to have the Summit come to an end. I learned so much, had experiences this little blog just can't even begin to capture and most importantly, met people I'll never forget and look forward to connect with again and again. A huge round of applause to Whitney (pictured below) and Cheri for all their hard work to bring such an amazing event together. It was worth every penny and I couldn't recommend it higher for those of y'all that have never been!

PS: Don't know HOW, but this funny photo of me and Allie from Day 2 missed the blog post, but it's one of my favorites from the event. We were so excited to get our swag bags and had the best time drinking cocktails at Fish and going through all our new goodies :). 

Who's thinking about going next year? And did you see the announcement of when and where the Summit is going to be next round?!