Would You Wear: Sneakers + Dress

I probably haven't rocked a dress and sneakers since 3rd grade when I accentually wore a dress to Field Day, but it seems like (done the right way) it can be pretty darn chic. Here's my round up of ideas for pairing a simple dress with your tried and true tennis shoes:

1. Pleated Ponte + New Balance 620, 2. Silk Moonset + Cole Haan Snake Embossed, 3. Patterned Dress + Nike Genicco

What do you think? Would you rock a dress and tennis shoes?

// Top image via Patterson Maker //

Thinking Cooler Thoughts

Happy Labor Day! They say wearing white after today is a fashion faux pas and while I think you can bend that rule in Georgia considering we're still experiencing 90 degree temps, I don't mind getting a head start on anticipating fall fashion. It will be a while until temperatures drop in Athens, but that doesn't mean I can't begin to build my fall wardrobe wish list!

1. Biker Jacket
2. Faux Fur Vest
3. Double-breasted Jacket

// Top image from Cheetah Is The New Black // 

31 Bits: Fashion for Good

Have you heard of 31 Bits? I recently stumbled upon their website and love their business model, their mission of empowerment for women (and families) and of course, their jewelry.

"We believe true empowerment begins with caring for a person holistically and occurs when a person is completely self sustainable."

If you have time, I highly recommend reading through their Stories from Uganda to learn more about this wonderful company. Seeing the faces and names of the women behind the jewelry is inspiring as well. You could also host a party which I really want to do!

After perusing the website I decided my favorite necklaces are:

1. Freedom // 2. Jendy // 3. Luna

Wouldn't they be cute with a black jumpsuit or simple cotton dress? For more inspiration, visit the 31 Bits blog- which includes DIY ideas and recipes. You can also follow them on Pinterest!

// All images from 31 Bits //

Spring Look

It wouldn't be spring time in Georgia if the temperature didn't go from the 20's to the 80's in less than a week. Today was been a hot one (I've got the sun kissed face to prove it) so naturally I'm beginning to plan my spring wardrobe.

Sarah Sherman Samuel's blog Smitten Studio is great for style inspiration so when she shared her travel basics post featuring Anthropolgie's Pilcro Hyphen Chino's my jaw his the floor. How effortlessly tomboy does she look? To be honest, I hate wearing shorts (not a huge fan of my pale legs) and would much prefer to wear lightweight pants with a loose top. Here's my take on essential pieces to achieve this look:

J.Crewing

Is it Spring yet? Today's temperatures are in the 40's in Georgia and somehow over the weekend it will hit 7?! At this rate I will be packing up my winter clothes in June, but maybe that won't be the case... To cope with winter blues I'm starting to gather my Spring wish list for some upcoming events!

P.S. They get it right every dang time. Oh, and this jumpsuit is what dreams are made of.

// Image sources:  J.Crew Factory  //

Date Night Attire

Like pretty much every girl, I will take any excuse to dress up- especially for an evening out with the hubs. While at the beach (I promise this is my last vacation post!) we enjoyed a date night at The Gulf, complete with cocktails and cuddling.

Earlier that day Taylor, my little sister, and I ventured to the outlets which was where I scored an entire J.Crew Factory ensemble for less than $85. For this date I sported the new top and necklace, pairing it with basic black shorts and neutral wedges.

Since we were outside the entire time, I was glad to be in comfortable and lightweight material. What are your go-to items for a date night?

// Shirt: J.Crew (similar), Shorts: Old Navy (similar), Shoes: Aerosoles, Necklace: J. Crew, Purse: Coach (Vintage) //

P.S. Check out more summer nights outfit inspiration here.

Staying Cool, Looking Hot

I'm not one to attempt to look "hot". Actually I would prefer to look "pretty" or "girly" or "mature". But, when tempatures rise in Georgia the only way to not look like a hot mess is to plan outfits that keep you cool while still looking put together. I think the key is bright colors, delicate jewelry and practical shoes.

spring forward

As you know, this weekend is Daylight Savings and the clocks are moving forward one hour. Even though losing that precious hour of sleep Sunday morning is rough, I am so glad it means more daylight in the evening!

With Spring is right around the corner, I thought I would share inspiring ensembles that make me want to pack away all my flannels and tights this very instant.

// for client meetings // The key is being comfortable while still looking polished since I'm either in the car or walking around a venue that could be outdoors. I would love to add some colorful flats, army green slacks and full skirts to my wardrobe.

// for date nights // I am so looking forward to warmer days so Taylor and I can sit outside for dinner at some of our favorite restaurants. Slouchy pants and silk blouses are sure to add the perfect amount of sultry to a night on the town.

// for weekends // While I might find myself working more weekends as wedding season hits full swing, I'll enjoy any chance to dress down for errands, coffee dates and trips to the dog park.

What are you looking forward to most about Spring?

// Top image via Pinterest. Fashion photo sources: 1. via Prepaganda, 2. via In the City with Crystalin, 3. from Luella & June, 4. via With Love from Kat, 5. via Pinterest,  6. via Pinterest, 7. from Frankie Hearts Fashion //

fashionably late...ly

One of aspects of having a personal blog I like most is the freedom to write about any gosh darn thing I want! When I started Young Love in Normaltown, I just wanted an outlet for creativity and not be confined to just one topic. From work, to food, to love, to fashion, I love sharing snippets of newlywed life in a Southern college town.

With that being said, here are some shameless selfies of recent outfits that I have been pleased with :) Notice that each outfit tells a story of how temperamental the weather has been in Georgia!

// Madewell scarf, H&M jacket, Forever 21 jeans, Charlotte Russe booties //

// LEFT: H&M sweater and button down, Target leggings, Gap wool socks, Target boots. RIGHT: Ann Taylor jacket, Old Navy top, Gap jeans, H&M flats //

P.S. A little project is in the works with one of my bests to feature more fashion so stay tuned!

xoxo

pleasant purchases

For the past month I have been restraining from shopping for a few reasons. First, because I wanted to refocus my heart on being content in all circumstances and secondly, because Taylor and I were trying to be wise with our money.

By making the conscious decision that I was not going to buy anything new for a month I couldn't excuse away any purchases. Of course it wasn't easy walking through Target. Or when my friend Carol texted me about an amazing sale at a boutique downtown...needless to say it's been refreshing!

Surprisingly (and generously!), Taylor asked me if I would like to go on a little spree this past weekend. Naturally, I said YES!!! So here are a few things that found their way home with me:

A yellow dress for Jessica's wedding! Y'all I'm not gonna lie...I don't own a single piece of yellow clothing (besides a mustard sweater), so I was a little fearful as to how this would look on my transparent skin. With a decent spray tan I might look halfway decent.

I picked up these $20 rocker boots at Fab'rik and with a 20% off coupon they came out to $17. Candice had to coerce me a little, but you just can't beat that price tag even if Georgia won't stay chilly for long.

And I am probably light years late on this trend, but I finally bought an Emi-Jay hair tie. I like the fact that when it's not keeping my wild mane away from my face it can double time as a bracelet :)

Have you had any exciting bargain buys recently?

game day accessories

Today marks the first night of college football! Of course I only know this because of my husband, but it's practically Christmas day in our house. A couple of weeks ago I shared some ideas for game day attire and hairstyles and thought I would feature some accessories today :)

{purses}

I would love a bright read slouchy purse for this fall and J.Crew has my favorite style. Timeless, classic, and leaves a little room to sneak in some snacks ;) Of course if you just want to bring the necessities (i.e., student ID, credit card or cash and sunglasses) I recommend a small and lightweight clutch.

{sunglasses}

Besides sunscreen, nothing quite beats the rays coming into the stadium like a good pair of sunglasses. Ray-Ban's aviators and wayfarers are a no-brainer, but if you are looking for something a little more glamorous try cat eye or large tortoise frames.

{shoes}

The key here is comfort. Standing on your feet for 4+ hours will be painful regardless- might as well wear some comfy (and cute!) shoes.

What team are you cheering for this fall?

// Photo sources: 1. J.Crew,  2. Roxy Marj, 3. via Pinterest, 4. via Pinterest, 5. via Pinterest, 6. Gabriella Rocha Nele via Zappos //

statements

I've recently grown obsessed with statement necklaces and how they complete the most simple of outfits. I'm on the hunt for the perfect piece to wear with a my buttoned up chambray top like the picture below.

After doing some surfing on the web, I found my top three favorites:

This mutli-colored statement necklace is a lot more salmon than red in person and makes me think rocker-chic. Denim or gold dress would complement it well and I would probably pair this bracelet with it too!

Stella & Dot's Egyptian collar necklace would inspire any modern-day Cleopatra! I would love to pair this piece with white jeans and a gray v-neck tee.

Last, but not least, this faux pearl collar stunner has me swooning! The chunky metal is a nice balance to the soft pearls and I especially love the look of three separate strands. Kate Spade's gem might have a hefty price tag, but a girl can dream, right?

What jewelry has caught your eye for fall?

xoxo

// Photo sources: 1. via Pinterest, 2. Refinery29, 3. from LOFT, 4. from Stella & Dot, 5. from Nordstrom //

game day attire

With school around the corner and students slowly streaming back into Athens I am reminded that football season is almost here! And in the south there is only one thing almost as important as winning - what you wear to the game. I thought I'd round some fashion inspiration for looks outside "the hedges":)

August + September:

 

Let's be real- the heat can be outrageous during the first few home games. The trick is staying cool without looking scantily clad. You'll beat the heat in light colors and lightweight material.

I'd recommend wearing white and rocking red & black accents. And don't forget the most important accessory: sunscreen :) 

October + November:

 

October is still pretty warm in Georgia so you can get away with shorts (or mini skirt) and a button down. As the weather gets cooler at night this bulldog sweater would be the perfect top.

J.Crew has a cute polka dot sweater that would do the trick for those chillier night games as well. And you can't go wrong with red & black flannel (or gingham), paired with black skinny jeans or a maxi skirt. 

Outdoor Bowl Game:

I hope I'm not jumping the gun, but I think it's safe to say the Dawgs will make it to a bowl game and depending on the venue, it could require extra layers for warmth. I love a chunky knit scarf paired with graphic sweaters.

Cupcakes & Cashmere features a similar look to Blair's on the right or you can try out the complete ensemble. Don't you love how she layers a denim jacket under a colorful peacoat? 

The National Championship: 

An alumni can dream right? And if we make it that far it's class all the way with this red pencil skirt. I'm not sure how many games Taylor and I will make it to, but we are looking forward to tailgating in style in the best college town.

P.S. Check by tomorrow for game day hairstyles!

// Photo sources: 1. via Prepaganda, 2. via That Kind of Woman, 3. via Center City, 4. from J.Crew via Pinterest, 5. from shop bop, 6. via Pinterest, 7. from Gal Meets Glam, 8. from Atlantic-Pacific, 9. from See Jane //