Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours! I hope your holiday is filled with happiness, relaxation, loved ones, and overflowing joy. I'll never get over the fact that God sent His only Son to Earth to save us. I've never experienced something so completely humbling as this. The older I get the more aware I am of the true miracle that His birth and this season is. No matter where we are in life, we're all so, so very blessed. :) 

I'll be back next week to wrap up the year and promise that things will return to normal around here in 2015! Cheers to a happy remainder of your holiday season! Merry Christmas! xoxo

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish-List || The Little Things

I've said it before, I'll say it again: the little presents are, quite often, the best presents. Whether it's a new book you've been dying to read, a yummy candle, a pretty wall calendar, or even a wicker basket for your bike, these adorable (and inexpensive!) goodies are so much fun to give and receive. I would more than happily accept any of these that came my way and I know my girlfriends would as well!

-Lanie W.

Home Sweet Charleston

BIG news to share today y'all! .... *insert drumroll here* .... I finally signed a lease for an apartment in Charleston!! I'm sooo relieved/excited/happy. Having this worry and weight off my shoulders is the best Christmas present I could imagine! Now that everything is in place I can focus on the fun part of this process- moving in! I'm thrilled about getting settled in my new place and making a real home for myself here in The Holy City.

Oh, and the craziest part about this whole thing? The apartment complex I'm moving to is the exact same one my mom lived when she moved to Charleston after graduating from Clemson. How insanely spooky is that? Life really does come full circle sometimes (and if you're wondering, yes it's been majorly updated since she lived there).

A little bit about my new abode: It has a wood burning fireplace (!!), a screened-in porch, and pretty wood floors. Location-wise it's less than 10 minutes from downtown/work, 15 from the beach, and basically across the street from my bae Trader Joes *insert praise hands emoji*. Oh, and I can walk to the gorgeous park pictured below in about three minutes #win #win #win.

If you need me I'll be busy unpacking, organizing, and decorating to my hearts content! I'll be back with regular posts next week once everything calms down. In the meantime, I hope y'all have a great weekend! xoxo

-Lanie W.

All Is Bright || Holiday Style

Hello pretty people! Apologies for my absence yesterday- although I started my job here in Charleston a couple weeks ago (!!), I still haven't found an apartment. I'm staying with my Aunt right now and, to be honest, am in a state of constant disarray. With half my belongings at my parents house and half in my car (completely serious) it's a struggle to feel grounded. I simply want to be settled. However, I honestly think this is the Lord's way to reminding me that this season isn't about decorations, gifts, or pretty Christmas trees- it's about the miracle of His birth. With all the typical fluff of Christmas taken away I've never felt more in-tune and simply thankful for everything Jesus' birth meant. He really does work in mysterious ways and I am so humbled by His love and faithfulness. :)

Okay! Let's get back to the topic of this post, shall we. This festive time of year comes lots of opportunities to dress up, and I have to be honest- I love it. There are few things I enjoy more than getting dolled up and making merry with those I love! My girls over at Rich Girl Rags just released their holiday lookbook and it's safe to say I'm in love as usual. From bright reds to pretty sparkles, they've really outdone themselves. Take a little peek at my favorite shots-

I have a feeling those tassel earrings shall be mine asap. Check out the complete lookbook here! xoxo

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish-List || My Top Four

It's Friday (!!!) which means it's time for the second installment in my Christmas Wish-List series! Todays post is all about the "big" items on my list (aka items greater than $100). Ever since I can remember my family has had a rule of asking for three main gifts on our list each year. This tradition was inspired by the fact that Jesus got three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) from the Wise Men on the day of His birth. Clearly there are four items featured below, but hey, a girl has to have options right? ;)

1 || I saw this beautiful tote on Kate's fabulous blog (A Lonestar State of Southern) and immediately fell in love. It's so unique, but would also go with basically everything in my closet. Plusss it can be personalized with your initals. I could totally see myself using this 24/7 as a work/gym/life in general bag. 

2 || I haven't had a real camera (that wasn't on my iPhone) since 2009 - so this grown-up dslr is a much needed technology update. I really want to expand my blog and include more personal outfit posts and this baby will be the perfect tool to help me do so! It will also be amazing to have now that I'm living in Charleston the most photogenic city ever. 

3 || I'll be the first to admit I can be bad about taking care of my skin. I don't wear much makeup, so sometimes it's hard to motivate myself to wash my face every single night. Usually this doesn't make much of a difference, but lately my skin has been less than happy with me. This cleansing brush + product kit is the perfect solution to ending my skincare laziness once and for all.

4 || I've had this watch on my list for the past two years, so perhaps this will be the year that it finally becomes mine! I'm obsessed with its rose gold face, classic leather band, and overall chic vibe. It would be the ideal watch to add to my jewelry line-up, and could give the watch I've worn every day for the past three years a much needed break. :)

Does your family have a similar tradition? How many "big" items do you usually include on your list each year?

-Lanie W.

Favorite Celebs on Social Media

I'm a self-professed addict of the beast that is social media. I've been tweeting, pinning, 'gramming, and posting since I was a teen and have witness the rise and fall of many a site (rip MySpace). One of my favorite aspects of sosh media is getting a more realistic look into the lives of celebs. Instead of being filtered through a publicist they can share anything they choose (generally speaking). I definitely have favorite accounts that I check each day, so I've decided to share a few with y'all today!

|| Instagram - Reese Witherspoon ||

Reese is the OG girl-next-door and seriously gets more awesome with every passing year. She's one of my biggest style icons and the fact that she's a southerner (and proud of it) make me love her even more! Her Insta is a perfectly mixed bag of funny, realistic, silly and glam photos that offer a peek into her adorable life as a mom and actress. Added bonus points for her captions which never fail to make me laugh!

|| Twitter - Anna Kendrick  ||

I know I'm not the only one with may-jor girl crush on Ms. Kendrick. She's pretty much the girl all of us want to be- gorgeous, hilarious, approachable, smart- I could go on and on. It's like, if she wasn't so great we would all hate her for being a perfect human. Her Twitter constantly makes me laugh/wish I was her best friend. I simply cannot wait to see her in Into The Woods and Pitch Perfect 2!!

Who are your favorite celebs to follow on social media? Anyone I need to add to my repertoire?

-Lanie W.

Trendy x Timeless | No. 4

Hola babes - first things first: Happy DECEMBERRRR! (was that too much? I blame the coffee hehe). It's officially the jolliest month of the year, can you even believe it? Now that I'm no longer in school I feel like I'm experiencing the holidays in an entirely new way. It's crazy (and a bit sad) that I won't have a large chunk of time totally dedicated to relaxing and soaking in the Christmas season this year, but my excitement about my new job/apartment/life in general is making that a bit easier to handle. :) #onedayatatime

Todays trendy x timeless is all about metallic tweed. I've seen this all over the place lately (namely: J. Crew's website) and have totally fallen in love! When I generally think about tweed visions of classic British attire pop in my head, but I'm really digging this chic revamp. This would be such a fun trend to try for the holiday season that would definitely set you apart from the sea of people in black/red dresses!

timeless: the classically textured fabric that's been around for hundreds of years || trendy: the metallic/colorful twist and unexpected silhouettes 

What are you opinions on metallic tweed? A fun update, or should they leave well enough alone?

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish-List || Bedroom Update

Happy Black Friday, y'all! It's the first official day of the Christmas season and I'm sure a ton of you will be spending today making a dent in that Christmas-giving list you've been compiling all year. Instead of sharing another "gift guide for X person" post that have been everywhere for the past few weeks I've decided to share a series about what's on my personal Christmas wish list. I'll post a new installment every Friday leading up until Christmas Day!

I usually struggle to come up with a list, but this year there are so many things I need in this post-grad time of life. Of course there are plenty of fun wants as well, and I'll be sharing those too!I know that I personally love being nosy and getting a peek at others' lists. It makes me feel like I know the person a little bit better and I hope that is exactly what I accomplish during this series! So without further ado here we go!

This first installment of my Christmas Wish-List series is all about the bedroom. I feel like I've always had a mix-matched, thrown together room. Whether it was furniture I've had since I was three, a comforter I bought as a tween, or inexpensive shelving from my college days, my room has never been exactly cohesive or aesthetically pleasing.

Now that I'm a post-grad/young adult (or whatever you call a working 22 year old), I'm determined to make my room a total reflection of me. The design idea I've curated for my room is centered around timeless bedding, plush accessories, neutral colors, gold accents, and sleek furnishings. Take a look-

What do you think? I'm incredibly excited to see this all come together and will be sure to keep y'all posted! Have a happy holiday weekend full of movie-watching, leftovers-muching, and blessings-counting!

-Lanie W.

Mixing It Up: Plaid Edition

As I've gotten older I've come around to so many things that I vehemently hated in my younger days. For example, I really disliked chocolate (I know, I know) for most of my life, then when I studied abroad in Belgium I finally tried it again and to my surprise, I loved it! This same cycle has happened to me with fashion more and more frequently. Items/trends I once thought were ugly or just not me are suddenly all I want to wear. I kind of love this whole phenomenon though, it's exciting to see the capacity that we have to grow and change over the years.

This is all a super long way of telling you that I bought this scarf and am now obsessed with all things buffalo plaid. Seriously, what took me so long?! Sure, it's reminiscent of the Brawny Paper Towel Man, but it's also ruggedly chic, laid back, and perfectly all-American. I can't get enough.

I'm officially declaring buffalo paid (or "check" - whichever you prefer) the pattern of the 2014 holiday season! It just has a vibe that screams festive and makes me want to bundle up and take a walking tour of holiday decorations while Christmas caroling and drinking hot-chocoalte. Take a look at how some fabulous ladies have styled this fun pattern!

If you need me, I'll be cozying up in my buffalo plaid scarf and listening to holiday tunes until further notice. ;) I hope that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow! Cheers! xoxoxo

-Lanie W.

Skirts + Tights | No. 2

Cold weather fashion can sometimes be a bit limiting- esp. when it comes to what to wear on your bottom-half. On the one hand you don't want to freeze, but wearing the same rotation of jeans/leggings can get old fast. I wrote a post centered around this sassy style-hack last year and it's easily the most pinned thing from my Pinterest, so I thought I'd bring round-two this year!

This time of the year, and its jam-packed calendar of events, is full of opportunities to spice up your look and try something different. To give you some inspiration I've pulled together some skirt/tights combinations that will not only make you feel super stylish and glam, but keep your legs warm and toasty at the same time. There are so many different combinations you can make with this super simple style formula. From dressy, to casual, to in-between, the options are truly endless. From Thanksgiving to New Years these pretty pairs are the perfect solution to your wardrobe woes. Take a look-

So great/simple, right? I plan on wearing a version of the plaid/maroon combo for Thanksgiving! Which is your favorite?

-Lanie W. 

Hit the Links | No. 5

Hello out there! If you stuck around after yesterdays post, thank you. I realize that it was a much heavier topic than I usually cover around here, but it was something that was on my heart and once I started typing it literally wrote itself. I usually go back and edit my posts multiple times but yesterday everything I wanted to say came out perfectly as soon as I began writing. It was so helpful to get all of that out of my head and onto paper (screen?). If I can help just one other person who is dealing/has dealt with the same thing then I think departing from my normal subject matter was worth it.

ANYHOO - today I've decided to bring back on old series from last winter entitled "Hit the Links". If you've been reading for a while you may remember it. Honestly, I'm not sure why I stopped doing it, but I found some cute things that I wanted to share this week and after yesterday I thought a light-hearted post was necessary. So without further ado, take a look at my favorite (holiday-themed) links from around the web this week! 

1 || Kristen Bell + Straight No Chaser = best/most relevant millennial Christmas song ever 

2 || This article on how to host Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) in a small apartment is super helpful!

3 || The "Christmas Jammies" family is back with a hilariously catchy new video all about Thanksgiving:

4 || The fab Ms. Palermo put together the only travel packing list you'll need this holiday season!

-Lanie W.

Dealing With Grief During The Holidays

So, in case you didn't realize this already, Thanksgiving is one week away. For the majority of people the holidays are simply a happy time when your family can all come together to fellowship, eat lots of yummy food, and appreciate the blessings and memories the past year has brought. For others, however, the holidays place a giant magnifying glass on the pain and loss you deal with every single day of the year. Sadly, my family has fallen in the latter category for the past three holiday seasons- ever since the unexpected loss of my younger brother.

I know that my family isn't the only one who has to deal with the looming grey cloud of grief during a time thats supposed to be overly joyous and happy, so I thought I'd share a few ways that I personally have dealt with the super conflicting, confusing metal battle of simultaneously wanting to bask in the holiday glow while mourning the loss of a family member and everything that made the holidays special for the majority of your life.

1 // Be the sunshine

Personally, I've taken on the role of an uplifter, a fixer, and someone who constantly tries to make everything better. When things are heading down a sad path, I change the subject to something lighter. When people are falling into a "glass half empty" mentality I make emphasize the positives and try to turn things around. Obviously not everyone can be this person, but I've found that it really helps to inject positive energy into an otherwise dim situation. Making the extra effort can truly be the difference in changing people's attitudes and bringing smiles to a room full of frowns.

2 // Let go of old traditions - and be okay with it

I'm someone who has always loved the holidays- the traditions, the planning, the anticipation, the decorations, the fellowship, the parties- everything. I was always the one organizing, keeping traditions going, and making sure everything went off without a hitch. When I realized that the holidays were never going to be the same it was a huge mental hurdle to make and I had to grieve all over again. Losing my favorite traditions like picking out the perfect Christmas Tree with my Dad, decorating the house with my Mom, and playing pictionary as a family on Christmas Eve, made me completely distraught. It took lots of time and constant pep-talking myself to let these things go.

3 // Make new traditions

When I lost our old traditions I had to accept that we could have new traditions to take their place - and that that was okay. Switching things up was necessary to keep our family moving forward, and we had to create new ways to do things to try and make our loss less painful. Instead of Christmas at home we went to a cabin in the mountains. Instead of spending Christmas day sitting around and lounging we found an activity (hiking) to keep us busy. The holidays will never be as innocent and simply happy as they were before, but creating new traditions was a really helpful way to cope.

4 // Focus on the things you can control

You can't make everyone else feel better. You can't force people to forget how much has changed and focus on everything we're missing. However, you can make sure that you are doing everything in your power to make things as good as possible. Simply reminding yourself to focus on the positives rather than falling into a hole of sadness can and will rub off on others. Remind yourself that a negative mind will only bring a negative vibe to everything you do. If you consciously refuse to let yourself be a grinch you'll see that you have the ability to make things as good as you can. 

5 // Remind yourself that no matter what, things could be worse - you are blessed

Yes it's incredibly hard and yes it really, really, really sucks that you lost a loved one, but somewhere out there lives a person with a worse situation. Someone without clean water, without food, without any friends/family, without warm clothes, without a safe place to stay. Whenever you're slipping into that "poor me" mindset snap yourself out of it and remember that despite everything, you're still blessed. Like Winne the Pooh said, "How lucky am I to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard"- be thankful that you had the opportunity to have the time you had with that person rather than sad/angry that they're gone. I promise that realizing this will make your mountain seem like a molehill and put a little peace in the midst of your pain.

-Lanie W.

Be Back Soon

Hello pretty people! Just a heads up- I've decided to take a mini-hiatus from blogging in order to give my full attention/effort to the big, exciting life changes that are taking place around here. I won't be gone long and promise to return with lots of fresh content and details about everything that's happening. Cheers! xoxoxo

-Lanie W.

Red Alert

Hello there! Sincerest apologies for my absence on Friday; some pretty major (in a good way!) life stuff happened last week and my mind has been all over the place trying to get a grip on everything! More specific details to come very soon, but in the meantime I'd appreciate all the good vibes you can send my way. :)

I don't know if you've noticed, but Christmas has officially started to take over. Every other ad on television is holiday-themed, sparkly decorations are starting to overshadow pumpkins and leaves on Instagram, and bloggers have already begun their "gift-guide" posts (which seem to be an unspoken blog requirement these days).

I've always been torn on when exactly to begin the holiday season. I definitely adore Christmas and everything that comes with it- the music, the decorations, the celebration- it all makes me so happy. However, I also hate that poor Thanksgiving gets overlooked more and more each year. Because of this I've been brainstorming ways to ease into the holiday season without jumping the gun and going full on Rudolph in early November. I don't want to risk getting burnt out too early!

My brilliant solution? Embracing the color red! I've never really been into primary colors, and red is probably the least prevalent hue in my wardrobe. However, this festive time of the year has inspired me to change my tune. I've pulled together some great options to help you incorporate this cheery color into your wardrobe from head to toe-

How do you feel about the early start to the festive season? I'll be honest, I'm going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tonight and can't wait to throw on some red and soak in the (pre-mature) holiday cheer! ;) xoxo

-Lanie W.

Target Treasures | Faribault Shawl

I usually try and resist Target and its astounding ability to make me spend countless hours wandering their aisles, but they continue to lure me in with their amazing brand collaborations. During a recent visit to their website I spotted their latest line with the Faribault Wolen Mills Company and was immediately in love. Not only are the products in the line great, but the people who make them are great as well. The family-run company has been around since the 1800's and all of their products are made in America. In a time when so many items are being outsourced to other counties it's so refreshing to see this kind of craftsmanship and dedication to quality still exists.

We're entering that time of the year when the days are short and the air is consistently crisp. When the weather turns wintery I become a sucker for all things warm, and this cozy collab full of blankets, scarves (and more!) makes for the perfect cold-weather companion.

My favorite part of the line is definitely the striped wool shawls. They have a rustic, mountain-chic vibe that reminds me of Ralph Lauren (but at a much lower price point). I can totally see myself wearing one of these with boots and jeans throughout the holiday season. Perfect way to stay warm, comfy, and stylish. That's a #fashionwin in my book!

What do you think about the line? Are you as addicted to Target as I am? If so, at least we're in this together! xo

-Lanie W.

Current Gratitude | 11.3.14

It. Is. November... 2014 ill be over in less than two months... Just let that sink in y'all.

I've always loved this time of the year, but to be honest I'm a little confused about how to go about the holidays in a world where I'm not a student with a designated three week break in which to enjoy it. I'm so new to this concept of being an "adult" in the "real world" that I found myself weirdly bummed and stressed rather than excited when I thought about the upcoming holiday season (which is really unlike me #christmasobsessed).

Personally, I've found that it's totally overwhelming to think about change in a large-scale way. When I let myself look at the big picture I usually fall into some major anxiety and general stress about life. I've found that if I ease into things and accept the small changes as they come it's easier for my structure/routine/tradition loving self to process.

I know I'm not alone when I say that each day of this post-grad life brings something hard different to deal with, and if you have any tips on how you cope/have coped with all this change I'd love to hear them! Okay, rant over. Back to the matter at hand- gratitude.

What I'm grateful for this week:

the autumn jazz station on pandora 

snuggling in front of the fire on a quick visit home

getting to hang out and catch up with my little brother 

being able to watch old movies whenever I wish #thanksnetflix 

parents who support me, encourage me, inspire me, and never let me settle

finally getting to wear my Barbour and riding boots #typicalwhitegirl

What are you grateful for this week? How do you deal when faced with lots of change at once? xx

-Lanie W.

Last Minute Halloween Costume

Happy Halloween y'all! Here at Disney it's been "Halloween" for the past two months. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party kicked off September 1st and has been happening at least twice a week ever since. I've gotten to work during a lot of these parties so I've gotten to see thousands of great costumes. Some of the best costumes I've see are also the most simple, and can be pulled together with items you already have in your closet!

The spin off of the 90's sitcom, Boy Meets World, premiered this year and I've loved getting to relive my childhood and see my favorite characters on tv once again. I know I'm not alone when I say that BMW is one of my favorite shows of all time, so what better time to pay homage to this classic show than dressing up as one of its main characters- the always stylish Topanga!

Topanga's wardrobe encompassed pretty much every 90's trend and provided the perfect inspiration for a super easy Halloween look! Just layer a floral sundress over a white tee, add a denim vest and combat boots, pull your hair up into a voluminous high-ponytail and viola- you'll look just like the sassy Ms. Lawrence!

Hope you all have a fun and festive Halloween! xo

-Lanie W.

A Tasty Combination

'Tis the season for tasty treats! One of my favorite things about the fall/holiday season is that cozy feeling of sitting in the cool outdoors while sipping a yummy drink that warms you from head to toe. Not only are holiday beverages delicious, but holding a hot mug makes your bulky gloves obsolete (#win)! Since you don't have to hide your hands away, why not have your mani match your favorite autumn-inspired drink? I love the idea of your polish coordinating with your drink so much that I've picked three classic holiday beverages and matched them with their Essie counterparts - take a look!

apple cider + twin sweater set || hot chocolate +  hot cocoa || pumpkin lattee + alligator purse

I'm pretty partial to the apple cider/red polish combo, but nothing beats a steaming mug of hot chocolate! Which would you choose? xo

-Lanie W.

Timeless x Trendy | No. 3

Happy happy Friday y'all! I'm back today with the third installment of my latest series "timeless x trendy". Today I'm focusing on an item that's been huge this fall and will likely continue in popularity through the winter months- the zippered sweater.

I really love the juxtaposition of the hard and soft elements in this weeks pick. The unexpected combination of these two ordinary fashion items really elevates the two to a new level. I love that by simply thinking slightly outside of the box you can create a result that feels brand new and totally chic. My favorite retailer (J. Crew, duh) really hit a home-run with this trend and is rocking it better than anyone else I've seen. Take a look at my favorite picks- one from the OG and one from Factory.

timeless: the classic crew-neck shape and cotton material || trendy: asymmetrical zippers and color-blocking

Standing ovation to Ms. Lyons and co. - I definitely need that navy/olive sweater in my life now. Cheers to a fun, festive, fall activity-filled weekend ladies! xo

-Lanie W.

Elbow Patch // Pumpkin Patch

I'm back!! This past weekend I managed to take a spontaneous trip back to South Carolina and had the best fall-filled few days. I squeezed in as many activities as I could while I was home and checked off a ton of items on my autumn bucket-list. I watched the Charlie Brown halloween special, drank apple cider, enjoyed an outdoor fire, went on evening bike-rides with my parents, got a fall mani, and even fit in a couple days in my favorite city (Charleston) with my bestie (Emily)!

One of my favorite parts about this visit was our morning at the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch! I absolutely adore fall, so I was overly excited to be able to visit the farm and pick out the perfect pumpkin (my criteria? good coloring/shape, and it must have a pretty stem). Em and I might have been the only people there that didn't have little kids, but we had so much fun regardless #noshame.

sweater // jeans // flats // purse

Seriously obsessed with that sweater. I bought it back in August and have been dying to wear it ever since. On Sunday the temps dipped below 70 and I happily proceeded to wear it alllllll day. It's the perfect color, length, weight, and is beyond soft. It's definitely going to be my go-to favorite this season!

PS- if you want any tips on how to decorate your own pumpkin this year, check out my latest post over at the Rich Girl Rags blog! xx

-Lanie W.

Rich Girl Rags: Take Notes

OH my goodness y'all. My favorite Charleston boutique, Rich Girl Rags, has truly outdone themselves with their latest lookbook- Take Notes. I'm seriously obsessed with everything!  From dresses, to cardigans, to sassy thigh-high boots, their latest collection has everything your wardrobe needs for fall. You have to check out the entire thing, but here's a little sneak preview featuring some of my very favorite shots to get you started!

 

So gorgeous, right? Which pieces are you favorite? I definitely need that navy window-pane blouse in my life asap! Shop your favorite looks here! xoxo

-Lanie W.

Style Crush: Chole Grace Moretz

It's been a while since I've discovered a new style crush, (read about my others here, here, here, and here) so I was super excited when I stumbled upon an article about Chole Grace Moretz while still reading the September issue of Vogue recently. Intrigued, I hopped online to learn a bit more about her and realized that girlfriend has some seriously great personal style. I pulled together a few of my favorite looks to share with y'all- take a look!

What I'm loving: ripped black denim // slip on sneaks // vertically striped top // boxy tee // utility jacket // cool sunnies

Just so darn chic (she reminds me of an off-duty model!). What makes her style even more awesome is that she's only sixteen. When I was her age my wardrobe was an embarrassing assortment of logo-laden t-shirts and unflattering boot cut denim #letsbehonest . Whose style is inspiring you lately? Do tell! xx

-Lanie W.

Statement Slippers

Hi all, hope your weeks are off to a good start! My boyfriend visited me here in Orlando this past weekend and I had the best time exploring the parks with my favorite person. He hadn't been to Disney since he was three so everything was basically brand new to him. I love being a leader/sharing my Disney knowledge so being able to play tour-guide was just so much fun. However, because we were on the go all weekend I didn't get a chance to schedule any posts #whoops.  I hope you'll forgive me for getting todays post up late!

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Fun smoking slippers have been on my radar for a while now. I think they're adorable and love that there's such a variety to choose from. Whether you're into critters, patterns, or monograms you can find a version of these bold kicks to fit your style pretty much anywhere.

I haven't taken the plunge yet, but when I saw the C. Wonder Southern Belle Smoking Slippers on Carly's Instagram a couple months ago I knew I had found my match. I've been waiting (and waiting) for them to be available online and they were finally released last week! Navy velvet + kistchy gold writing + an homage to my southern roots? Yes, please! If you're reading this Santa, I'm a size 7. ;)

*insert heart eye emoji here* PS - If you aren't a "southern belle" there's also a "city girl" version available. Happy shopping! xo

-Lanie W.

Current Gratitude | 10.12.14

I'm taking my weekly current gratitude post in a bit of a different direction today to discuss something I've been thinking about a lot lately; hope you don't mind!

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I'll be the first to admit that I have a terrible tendency to over-plan/over-think all aspects of my life. I'm type-a through and through and nothing makes me happier than a well-curated schedule and knowing exactly what's going to happen in the future. If it was possible to have every day for the next three months detailed out in my planner I would be in OCD heaven.

My obsessive ability to plan/schedule/daydream about the future can be a great thing, but it can also be one of my biggest downfalls. I dream up so many ideas about how things will go and when they inevitably turn out differently I get disappointed and frustrated. Life lesson: expectations are, more often than not, just disappointments in advance.

The simple (albeit, scary) truth of the matter is that there is no real way to know exactly what's going to happen in our lives. That seemingly obvious fact is also incredibly hard to digest, especially for a person like myself. But by taking a moment to change my perspective I've realized that I spend way too much time trying to predict the unknown when I should really just be soaking in the present.

I think we all need to take a step back and make sure we're living in the present from time to time. Don't forget to enjoy the place you're in right now because you're too busy thinking/worrying about/looking forward to the future. It's so easy to spend your days wishing for the weekend, or your next stage in life, or the day you'll "have it all", but the only thing we're guaranteed is today. So take a look around and appreciate your life as it is; invest yourself in the moment you've been given. Live in the now. xo

-Lanie W.

Timeless x Trendy | No. 2

While some say that print is a dying form of media, I'm continually inspired by the stories and images that my favorite magazines provide. There's something so nice about being able to hold a substantial issue with your two hands, tear out pages that you love, and circle items you want to buy.

During one of these magazine reading sessions recently I spotted this photo from the Michael Kors fall 2014 collection and was immediately intrigued by the twist on the traditional gold watch. After some further research I knew I had to feature it in my latest timeless x trendy series. Adding a bright, saturated color to the otherwise simple item takes the watch from just another accessory, to the centerpiece of an ensemble. Take a look-

timeless: classic gold band and minimalist vibe || trendy: bold, jewel-toned face 

What do you think about this funky update to the classic gold watch? Fun, or too much? Have a great weekend!

-Lanie W.

Ankle Bootie | Splurge vs Save

Isn't it funny how you can dislike something for so long then one day you turn around and your feelings have totally changed? This happens to me all the time, especially in regards to fashion. I've loved chunky heeled ankle booties for a couple years now, but until this season flat booties haven't given me the best vibe. However I've really been digging them lately and have been on the online shopping grind to find the perfect pair.

In my crazy search I stumbled upon a pair of Sam Edelman booties and immediately fell in love. They're the exact height and style that I was looking for, and their cognac color is just gorgeous. However, my post-grad budget can't exactly justify 100+ dollar shoes at the moment so I set off on a hunt to find a similar pair at a better price point. I was so happy when Pinterest lead me to the Khols website where I found a pair of Simply Vera - Vera Wang booties that are a total dupe for the Sam Eddleman version- take a look!

So similar, right? I just love when this happens. Have you found any good style-dupes lately? If so, please share!

-Lanie W.

Style Inspiration | Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls has been my absolute favorite tv show a solid ten years. I first discovered the fast-talking drama on ABC Family the summer before 7th grade and quickly fell in love with Stars Hollow and its quirky residents. I watched GG religiously until it concluded in 2007, and have missed seeing the two Lorelai's and their crew so much since then. It may sound silly, but I'd be lying if I said Gilmore Girls hasn't influenced my life in a major way. I really grew up alongside Rory and will always hold the show super close to my heart.

When I read that Netflix was finally acquiring the series I literally squealed out loud of pure happiness (even though I own all of the seasons on DVD). While I was crazy excited, I was honestly surprised with the public's reaction to the news. I thought the GG fan-base was much smaller, but after the Netflix announcement the internet literally exploded with posts about the show. So crazy!

Other than their whip-smart humor and endless pop-culture references, Rory and Lorelai's distinct personal style is one of my favorite parts of the show. I love that  even though they're so alike in many ways, their style reflects the different parts of their personalities. While Rory's style is conservative and laid back, Lorelai's is more quirky and sexy. In honor of the show's triumphant return, I've put together two looks inspired by their respective personalities.

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Rory: A self-professed bookworm and straight-A student, Rory is really low-maintenance when it comes to fashion, but that's precisely what makes her the character we know and love. She tends to keep her look classic and simple with easy basics like cotton pants, sneakers, and her trusty denim jacket.

Lorelai: This lady knows how to have fun with fashion and has an obsession with bold, funky accessories (like these star print pumps!). She looks great in just about anything, but really rocks dresses like these when she's working at the Dragonfly (or Independence) Inn.

Whose style do you prefer? Are you just as in love with Gilmore Girls as I am? Let me know! xo

-Lanie W.

Current Gratitude | 10.5.14

It's interesting how my Sundays have changed over the past couple months. When you're in school Sundays are all about writing papers, studying, working on projects, and catching up on your required reading. I used to dread Sunday and all the work + stress that came with it, but now that I'm a post-grad I've been relishing in the relaxation that this day brings. While I still have to work work later in the day, I've really been enjoying my Sunday mornings without the looming stress of a crazy school week ahead. Sometimes, change is nice.

What I'm grateful for this week:

That my boyfriend is coming to visit me in Disney for the first time this week

That my favorite show ever, Gilmore Girls, is now on Netflix

That I was able to spend time some quality with my family + friends during my trip home last week

The fact that my passion and professional aspirations completely align with one another

The amazing, rare fall weather we're getting here in Florida today

What are you grateful for this week? I hope you have a peaceful, relaxing Sunday! xx

-Lanie W.

Autumn Activities

Happy Friday loves! Hope your week was great (but hey, if it wasn't then #TGIF)! Let's kick the weekend off with an exciting announcement, shall we? :D

Starting today I'll be partnering with Rich Girl Rags on weekly blog posts for their website!! (insert sassy salsa dancing emoji here). I completely adore the boutique and its team and am beyond thrilled to continue working with them. My Rich Girls blogs will be more diverse than my (primarily) fashion-centered Classically Current posts, so I'm super excited to broaden my content into new subjects! Be sure to bookmark their site and check back every Monday and Friday for new posts!

To start things off, I've compiled a bucket list of fun activities! By following this diverse list you can  ensure that you'll get the most out of this wonderful time of year. From classic favorites like apple picking to silly fun like watching cheesy horror movies, I've got you covered! Head over to the Rich Girl Rags site to read the full post!!

Which activities are you going to check off?? I'm not going to get much of a "fall" here in Florida, so I need to live vicariously through you and your autumnal fun! xo

-Lanie W.

Fall-ing for Charleston

Hello and happy October! I had a great mini vacation at home last week. It was so nice to see my family, friends, and boyfriend again for the first time in over a month. South Carolina holds my heart for sure and I'm so excited to see what life there has in store for me in the future!

When I found out I was going to have a free day during my trip I immediately texted Emily begging her to schedule a Charleston day with me. Thankfully she was able to make it work and we got to  do what we do best for an entire day- explore, snap tons of pics, shop, and eat. We spent way too much money on King Street, walked until our feet hated us, and finally ate at Dellz for the first time (it was beyond delicious - definitely a new favorite!). To top it off the weather was blissful and I got to wear my first truly fall outfit of the season (insert praise hands emoji here).

I always love hanging out with Em because we totally just get each other's blogger sides. I took full advantage of her great eye for photos and recruited her to snap some outfit pics for me. My outfit made me so, so happy and was totally me in every way shape and form. Gingham, tortoiseshell, smoking slippers, and my beautiful new purse = one happy Lanie.

Design Darling Necklace || Factory Gingham Shirt || Jeans || Kate Spade Purse || Smoking Slippers

Oh Charleston, you continue to make me fall in love with each and every visit. I cannot wait to be a permanent resident of your beautiful city once again. xoxo

-Lanie W.

Home

Hello from South Carolina! I'm back home for a few days to attend my cousin's wedding and I'm so happy to be home! The weather here is sooo much cooler than Florida and it's making my heart beyond happy to pull out my jeans, long sleeves, and smoking slippers!

I won't be posting until next week so I can soak up all the time I can with my family and friends, but I'll be back next week with lots to share! I hope you each have an amazing, happy weekend. You deserve it! :) xo

-Lanie W.

Transitioning Into Autumn

Attention people! If you haven't already heard, today is the first official day of autumn (insert happy dance)! Here in central Florida that basically means the temps have ever-so-slightly dipped from the 90's into the upper 80's, but hey, I'll take what I can get!

While long sleeves aren't necessary quite yet, I've decided I simply cannot wait another moment to break out two of my all-time favorite items- jeans and boots. This season I'm loving the minor aesthetic updates that have been made to these fall wardrobe staples. Distressed denim is definitely back in full force and I'm loving the look of worn-in skinnies (there's just something about them that screams off-duty model to me). As for boots, I'm finally coming around to the flat, more androgynous style that's been around for a couple seasons now. As a petite girl, I'm hoping to find a pair that works for my height without making my legs look super short. Here's what I'll be wearing until it's finally sweater weather-

How are you easing your wardrobe into fall? Has the weather turned where you live yet? If so, just know I'm living vicariously through you! :)

-Lanie W.

Current Gratitude

Having the right perspective is one of the most important tactics I've found for living a happy life. Up until a few years ago I was someone who let my emotions and outside situations I couldn't control get the best of me. I was not a morning person and would wake up every morning dreading the day ahead. If anything bad happened that wasn't part of my "plan" it would send my day into a downward spiral of negativity that I let get the best of me.

As a self-professed planner it was so hard letting go of (what I thought was) my white-knuckled grip on life. But when I realized that no amount of attempted human control can match the plan God has for our lives my entire view completely changed for the better.

Rather than grumpily waking up each morning dreading what bad things might take my "plan" off course, I now wake up feeling thankful simply to be alive and experience a new day. By not taking a single thing for granted I opened up my eyes to the pure beauty of the world and life in general. If you take the time to notice you realize that there are so many things big and small to be thankful for each day.

Switching your perspective from pessimism to gratitude honestly makes life so much better. It allows you to realize how completely lucky you are, and that even on the hardest days your life is still overflowing with blessings.

What I'm grateful for this week:

Having the opportunity to have this internship in Disney and experience something new every day.

The gorgeous, slightly cooler weather we had yesterday.

My health and the awesome fitness classes I've been attending at gym I joined here in Florida.

My fun, silly, awesome roommates.

Having a huge passion for my chosen career path and making steps to achieve my goals. 

God's continued faithfulness each and every day.

 I plan to share what I'm grateful here each week. I would love for you to leave what you are grateful for in the comments so that we can all recognize and celebrate the beauty of life that's found in things big and small. :) 

-Lanie W.

Pearl Jam

As is the case with most southern women, pearls have always been a staple in my jewelry line-up. The first earrings I received after (finally) getting my ears pierced were an adorable pair of little pearl studs that made me feel like such a grown-up. When I graduated from high school my Grandma gave me a stunning pearl necklace and earring set that's easily one of the most cherished pieces of jewelry I own. I wear the earrings every single day and honestly feel naked without them.

This season pearls have resurfaced in mainstream fashion, but in a way that's quite different from their classic counterpart. After hopping over to the C. Wonder website last week I discovered their latest jewelry release included a really cool mash-up of dainty pearls and edgy gold hardware. I would never have thought of mixing these two together, but the result is seriously awesome. I love that fashion has no boundaries these days. Unexpected combinations like this really make me look at things in a new way and re-ignite my passion for great style.

What do you think about this latest reincarnation of pearl jewelry? Do you like the new style or prefer the simple elegance of the traditional look? Hope your weekend is full of happiness, relaxation, and fun! xx

-Lanie W.

RGR Fall Favorites

It's no secret that I adore the Charleston SC boutique, Rich Girl Rags (read my last post about them here). I loved their summer line, but their new arrivals for fall have stolen my heart in a major way. Their latest looks have a casual, boho vibe and have me really craving cooler weather (and a shopping trip ;)).

From long sleeved rompers, to printed blouses and flowy dresses the new arrivals are a great mix of feminine and fun. And while I love the clothes, the accessories may just be my favorites.  I've been a huge fan of floppy hats for a couple years now and the RGR version of this cold-weather trend is spot on perfection. If you've been looking for a hat to add to your wardrobe this is a fabulous option at a really great price!

Which look is your fave? I think I'm going to have to get my hands on that green romper asap! Happy shopping!

-Lanie W.