Spotlight on Nashville: CHIHULY

 (Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Gap Favorite V-neck T, Anthropologie Shape Template Mini Skirt (Fall 2009), Longchamp Le Pliage Tote)

All summer, my mom has been trying to get my family to go see the Chihuly art installations at the Cheekwood Gardens here in Nashville. Last night we all cleared our schedules and finally went to check out the glass exhibit. If you're a Nashville reader or anywhere near the city, I definitely recommend checking out this exhibition. The hand-blown glass sculptures are beautiful and incredibly unique--They were like nothing I'd ever seen before.

Click below for more photos from the exhibit. All images are courtesy of my brother, Jack Hallemann.

Summer Sale Roundup

Sorry for the lack of posts lately--This past weekend I went to visit my boyfriend in Baltimore, and I didn't have a chance to update! I'm short on time today, but I thought I'd throw up a few sale links from around the web. Happy shopping!

Today only, Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic are all 30% off online with free shipping on orders over $100. Just enter the promo code SAVE30 at checkout. This is a great sale to stock up on basics I definitely recommend checking it out. Top picks for this sale: Gap City Flats (reviewed here), Gap Favorite Tee, Old Navy Drape-Front Vest, Old Navy Embroidered Scarf, and Banana Republic Wool Charcoal Pencil Skirt.

Rue La La, one of my favorite members-only websites, is offering a special promotion from now until August 8. For those of you unfamiliar with the site, Rue La La is a virtual sample sale offering limited quantities of designer products at a hefty discount for brief periods of time. If you aren't currently a member, click here to join and you'll instantly have a $10 credit on your account. (In the interest of full disclosure, when new members make their first purchase, I will receive a $10 credit)

J. Crew is offering 30% off all final sale both online and in stores. Enter the promo code EXTRA30 at checkout. Orders over $150 will also receive free shipping. Top picks for this sale: Cottage Skirt, Erica Dress, and Flat Flower Headband.

Nordstrom's Annual Anniversary Sale has been going on for over a week now, but it still has a great selection of products. From winter boots to jeans and cocktail dresses, hundreds of designer items are on sale. I hate to mention unmentionables, but this sale is a great time to stock up on Hanky Pankys. They rarely ever go on sale, so it's worth it to buy in bulk.

I recently ordered a pair of silver Jack Rogers sandals from Shoes.com and used the promo code: SHOEDEAL to get 20% off. I'm also considering ordering these Michael Kors heels. Readers- what do you think?

What's the best sale you've spotted this summer?

 (Image Credit: Natalie Dee)

City Flats

Shopping at Gap is hit or miss. I'll walk into the store and either instantly find 10 things I have to have or leave empty-handed, questioning who in their right mind would shop there. Fortunately, right now I'm loving their inventory, which is great for my closet and even better for my pocketbook.

My latest find is the brand's City Flat. This simple ballet flat is split-soled, unbelievably comfortable, and at $40 a pair, well within my budget. I went with gray, this fall's go-to neutral for my first pair, but I'm fairly certain I'll be back for the purple. Each pair folds down into a carrying case, perfect for tossing into a bag as a just-in-case pair of comfy shoes.

I like to think of them as a Lanvin look-for-less. The style is simple, but the quality is excellent. Made of 100% leather, these shoes are breathable and the elastic doesn't dig into my heel. However, these shoes do run slightly small- I had to size up to a 9 from my regular 8 1/2. If you're looking for a pair of well-made affordable flats, these come highly recommended.

 

Skirt: Gap circa 2007, Belt: Charlotte Russe, Shoes: Gap

What are Black and White and Red All Over?

My most recent purchases! July is the month for sales. Retailers mark down summer merchandise in order to make way for fall, which translates into big savings for shoppers. I hope y'all have been taking advantage, I definitely have!

My first purchase is a black Theory pencil skirt from The Cotton Mill Lifestyles.The boutique is moving in with its sister store, and in order to clear out inventory, they're letting high-quality pieces go for extremely good prices. Looking to the future, I'll need a more work-appropriate wardrobe so I snapped up this investment piece without breaking my budget. If you're in the Nashville area, The Cotton Mill's moving sale will continue into early August.

My second wardrobe addition is also from The Cotton Mill. This strapless Milly top will look equally cute with jeans and a belt as it will with a high-wasted skirt. It's pretty one-seasonal, but hopefully I'll get some use out of it before the weather turns cold. What can I say? I couldn't resist a sale!

I was in the mall yesterday for my favorite book store's  celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird's 50th anniversary, and I couldn't help but pop into GAP after I saw their "Buy One Get One Free" sign. All t-shirts, blouses, and cardigans were buy one get one free! I picked up some basics including a couple of the brand's "Favorite V-Neck T" and the red-and-white striped number pictured above. Paired with dark skinny jeans and flats I think it'll be effortless-Parisian chic.

I can hardly believe this is already my 50th post-- when I get to 100 posts, I'm hosting a give-away! Be sure to become a follower of my blog so you can enter to win!

Girls in White Dresses...

My cousin's graduation this past weekend got me thinking about my own graduation ceremony. I went to a small all-girls prep school where tradition reigned supreme--No caps and gowns, my classmates and I all wore long white dresses. While I missed out on moving my tassel and tossing my cap, at least my outfit was stylish! Right behind flip flops, sunglasses, and SPF 15, the perfect little white dress is high on my list of summer fashion essentials. I picked some of my favorite LWDs from around the web:

Urban Outfitters BDG Knit Tank Swing Dress ($32): Casual, simple and effortlessly chic, this Urban Outfitters swing dress would be perfect to throw on for a trip to the pool or walking around campus--And at only 32 dollars, the price is right!

Banana Republic Deep Vee Back-Zip Dress ($150): The touch of black makes this cocktail dress oh so classy--and I love Banana Republic's styling in this photo.

Gap Convertible Maxi Dress ($98): This easy-breezy maxi dress is right on-trend for this season, but make sure you style it more beachy and less bride. Pair it with simple leather sandals, a chunky necklace and a wavy hairstyle for a flawless boho-chic look.

Anthropologie's In A Twinkling Dress ($138): The blog world has been giving this dress mixed reviews. It's cute and flattering, but word on the street is that those gorgeous metallic dots are itchy to the point of skin irritation. I haven't tried it on myself, but it's high on my wish-list despite the bad press. I'll have to trek over to my local Anthro and give it a try.

Shoshanna Bustier Eyelet Sundress ($330): 330 dollars is a bit more than I can afford to spend on a sundress these days, but this Shoshanna number is gorgeous if you have the cash!

Flea Market Dress from Spool 72 ($64): I stumbled upon Spool 72 when it showed up as an ad on Facebook. I clicked the link on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. This vintage-inspired shop has great on-trend pieces at affordable prices like this off the shoulder piece. I love the sash and scalloped hem.