Trouser Shorts

I was flipping through the channels the other day and caught the end of Pretty Woman. While she makes some questionable fashion choices before meeting Mr. Greer, her ladylike makeover is one for movie history (BIG mistake - HUGE..) I mean, let's all just take a moment and appreciate Ms. Roberts killin it in her high-waisted apricot trousers and oversized blazer-

So great, no? Since so many other nineties inspired trends (mirrored sunglasses, ripped jeans, birkenstocks, etc..) have become popular this summer I wondered if this look had resurfaced as well. After some digging I found that it's definitely back, and in a fabulous way. The new crop of trouser shorts have a higher hemline and become the focal point of the look because of their contrasting textures and patterns. Whether paired with simple heels or a blazer these ladylike shorts are making me swoon-

So. darn. chic. Do you like this part of the 90's style revival? It's definitely one of the more subtle trends to come out of such a flashy decade, and as a product of the 90's I feel like I need to give it a try. Cheers!

-Lanie W.

Co-Ords

As you can probably tell by my blog name, I love a traditional looks with a modern twist. One of my favorite variations of this that I've come across recently is the matching separates trend. Usually I really dislike over-done 'matchy matchy' outfits, but these sets manage to come across decidedly cool rather than cheesy.

From plain to patterned these sassy combinations are perfect for instances when you want to look a step above every day casual, but still low-key enough for daytime. I've pulled together three different categories of matching separates that range in style from from prettily retro to unapologetically modern. Take a look-

|| Feminine || 

|| Bold ||

|| Delicate ||

Have you delved into this matchy look? Unlike some trends I find it really wearable and can definitely see it continuing into fall with heavier fabrics, longer sleeves, and booties. Which of the three categories would you choose? Hope you're having a lovely Monday!

-Lanie W. 

#CHS

There's no doubt about it, my little hometown has become the ultimate trendy place to visit. Sitting atop some prestigious "best of" lists, it seems that Charleston has amassed more popularity and national exposure in the last five years than it has in its 300ish year history.

It's clear that the city is aesthetically gorgeous and on a warm (non-humid) sunny day you could swear she was showing off on purpose. The sleepy, quiet "Holy City" I knew as a kid will always hold a special place in my heart, but this new era has given a second chance to my birthplace and I'm excited to be a part of the "new" Charleston.

This week I've been in Charleston house sitting for my aunt and it has been so wonderful to be able to take my time and explore new (to me) places and to show the city to Emily who stayed with me for a few days. It was such fun having girl time in my favorite southern city - fingers crossed we'll be back here more permanently come January ;) - here are some of the best parts of our visit!

+++

1 || We spent seven hours downtown on Monday. The hours flew by as we shopped, explored, and snacked our way across town. We took our time walking through the picturesque neighborhoods south of Broad taking a ridiculous amount of pictures along the way (#doitforthegram). 

Some favorite stops included a healthy/yummy lunch at Freshii on King,  an afternoon jolt of cold brew coffee (holy caffeine!) at Black Tap Coffee, and an afternoon recharge (literally - our phones were on 5%) with smoothies at Whisk on Meeting. 

2 || Lunch at The Park Cafe on Tuesday with a sweet fellow blogger Annie Reeves! You've probably seen her amazing photos on Instagram (if not you must go follow her asap) girlfriend has the best eye for capturing the ample beauty this place has to offer. The conversation was great and lunch did not disappoint - I had a delicious kale salad and hummus plate, but all of their options sounded so fresh and scrumptious. Good food + perfectly curated branding/decor puts this new Charleston spot on the top of my favorites list.

3 || Tuesday evening Em and I headed back downtown for a blogger meet-up at The Vendue Rooftop held by Heather of Sweet Tea Jubilee. I love getting to meet people I interact with online - it makes you realize that blogs are extensions of real people that choose to share their creative side with the world. Spending a few hours in the surprisingly non-humid late July weather talking life and blog stuff with like-minded women was a definite treat. The views (and drinks!) at the rooftop are not to be missed - put this on your Charleston to-do list if you've never been! 

3 || Emily was planning to leave Wednesday afternoon but when we saw that there was another blogger get-together Wednesday night we knew she had to stay so we could attend! Two of my favorite Charleston bloggers Natalie and Caycee hosted a picture-perfect event at Eclectic in Mount Pleasant. It was a treat to be able to meet so many women I've looked up to for ages and make new acquaintances as well.

Safe to say Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love is my new hero and one of the most genuinely kind people I've ever met. She encouraged Emily and I to jump in headfirst and move to Charleston, and after chatting with her I felt inspired and ready to tackle the world. Talent + a good soul is a combination you don't come across nearly often enough, and I can only hope to be half as successful and just plain nice as she is as I continue into adulthood!

Safe to say I wanted to take home everything in the shop and was making constant mental notes of things I want to incorporate into my next (Charleston) apartment! The bright pops of color combined with natural textures and mixed patterns created a definite eclectic vibe that was as cozy and welcoming as it was chic and cutting edge. I left the event inspired in so many ways and am so happy we were able to attend!

Charleston, you treated me well once again. The historic beauty of the city combined with all of the new, innovative businesses (restaurants, PR firms, digital publishing agencies, oh my!) that have taken up residence lately have created the perfect marriage of old and new. I feel like I'm graduating college just as Charleston is graduating into this new, fresh era and I really want to move (back) there as soon as my internship at Disney is over.

For now, I'll settle for quick trips down the coast to this pretty city and continue to daydream about my life as a twenty-something Charleston girl. Hope y'all have a joy-filled weekend! xo

-Lanie W.

NYC Recap || The MET

Ah, we've reached the end of my NYC posts. I have to say I'm sad to see them end- it was so much fun reliving this adventure by sharing it with y'all! The last day of our trip was relatively short since we had to be at the bus by 3:30pm, but the weather was idyllic and we tried our hardest to make each minute count.

The highlight of the day was spending a leisurely three hours exploring The MET on the Upper East Side. As a long time Gossip Girl fan (own all the books & dvd's #guiltypleasure) I've always loved visiting the MET and pretending I'm Blair Waldorf. I love that no matter how many times I visit there's always something new to see and another area of the building to explore.

 
The inside of the museum never fails to amaze me. Everywhere you turn there's something just waiting to take your breath away. One place I was determined to visit was the Egyptian Wing that's featured in one of my favorite movies, When Harry Met Sally. The giant window was gorgeous on the bright, sunny day and the natural light was filtering in so beautifully.

My favorite new discovery of the day was definitely the Charles James: Beyond Fashion exhibit. The room features his beautiful sculptural gowns and quotes about fashion on mirrored walls; combined with the low lighting there was definitely a magical glow about the room. It's only running until August 10th so if you find yourself in the city before then (and love fashion/history) you must go check it out!

Despite the beauty inside the museum, the absolute best part of the visit was finally visiting the museum's rooftop in person! I had seen so many gorgeous photos on the 'Gram of this location, and thanks to Brooke's emphatic recommendation we knew that we simply couldn't miss the amazing views of the city from this vantage point. Wow was everyone right! It was a cloudless, breezy day and the city was definitely showing off for us. There were so many people up there enjoying the weather and I could have easily spent the rest of the afternoon there if we hadn't had to leave to catch our bus.

The dress I wore that day (which my roommate so nicely let me borrow!) was perfect for walking around the Upper West/East Side and Central Park; comfy, but still had a 'put together' vibe. I just love its unusual color and swingy, tiered shape. I'm definitely on the hunt to find one like this for myself!

Sigh, well that does it for my recaps of our amazing New York adventure! It was truly a trip of a lifetime and I had the best time exploring my favorite city with my brother and friends! Hope y'all have a great Wednesday- see you back here on Friday :) xx

-Lanie W.