Apres Moi

Apres Moi! After Me. That's what my tee shirt says in French. I think this shirt was appropriate since the Grammy awards were last night and this award season has been dedicated to female empowerment! The 60th annual Grammy Awards put the "Me Too" movement back in the spotlight as artist carried a single white rose in solidarity for the #TimesUp initiative down the red carpet in New York City Sunday night. 

Last night we saw some of the biggest names in fashion and music use their voices for more than just singing. It really is a beautiful story we are writing. We are creating a movement and a moment in time that will not easily be forgotten. An environment that makes people feel safe to speak up and seek help if they have been sexually assaulted. In fact, the #TimesUp initiative is raising money to help victims who would not normally have the money to stand up and fight for themselves.  

Of course, the white roses aren't the only thing we're talking about this morning. After any good award show, we all want to know "who wore what?" on the red carpet! Thus, I have your red carpet recap covered with my Style Squad Podcast! This week I am joined by fellow blogger babe Michelle from Mrs. Simply Lovely, and she was just that! 

While you are kicking back listening to this weeks fashion recap feel free to do some retail therapy of your own. My whole look is available below! 

I am LOVING this tweed skirt and Steve Madden sandals for spring! Pair them with a fun tee shirt and a denim jacket and you are ready for casual Friday at work or a fun night out with the girls! For accessories, I threw on my favorite Chanel pin (but any brooch will do) and some fun hot pink earrings that are sure to jazz up any outfit! These Kendra Scott earrings are my favorite and they are so easy to wear! 

Happy Monday Boss Babes! 

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My Secret Weapon

Friday is finally here, and she brought wine! I love a good casual Friday because let's be honest we're all headed to happy hour at 5:01pm so why not look great in the process?

If you follow me on Instagram then you have seen my try on sessions where I have professed my love for Spanx leggings! Honestly though, they quickly became my favorite piece of clothing after childbirth. I wore them before too but I didn't truly appreciate all they can do until after I had Cashton. 

I will level with you, losing the baby weight isn't always an easy road and tons of people struggle with it. Learning to love my body after pregnancy was a whole other story. I don't know that I will ever be back to my "cheer" body but I'm pretty comfortable in my skin now,  but that wasn't always the case. After having a baby my body didn't even remotely feel "normal" for at least 7 months. 

I went through about 6 months of strict dieting and exercise where NOTHING was happening. It was the most discouraging time. Here I am trying to balance work, workout, new baby and hormones and I felt like my body hated me! It wasn't until my hormones started to go back to normal that I saw a change in my body for the better, and that sucks because it just takes time for your body to adjust.

In the meantime, while I was fighting my inner demons, I came across these Spanx leggings. I immediately fell in love because they held everything where it should be and for the short time I was wearing them ... I felt like myself again. Thus they quickly became a staple in my closet and my secret weapon. Now 15 months later they are still a go-to in my wardrobe. 

Baby or not I know you will LOVE them! They feel great on and they don't fall down like other leggings. Think back to the last time you wore a pair of faux leather leggings, you probably remember pulling them up all night. Spanx don't do that! 

I paired my faux legging with a casual black and white striped top and black booties for a fun look that will take you straight from happy hour to a night out with the girls! 

Happy Friday! 

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Black Never Goes Out Of Style

Thursdays are usually known as #TBT, but the only thing I'm throwing back tonight is a glass of wine! It's almost Friday and I feel like this has been the longest week! 

We are working on a funny SNL type, sketch comedy video at work and it has been occupying most of our days this week. Today, however, I took a break from filming to shoot some upcoming spring looks that I can't wait to share with all of you!  

It was a cold day of shooting at Romare Bearden Park but with the gorgeous backdrop of Uptown Charlotte, I barely noticed that I couldn't feel my toes! (Insert sarcasm here)

It was totally worth it though. There are so many great looks on the horizon for spring. Multi-colored tweed skirts, rose gold sequins maxis and floral rompers that are to die for! 

While I am busy prepping for spring releases I wanted to share with you the last of our winter looks. This is the best time to buy pieces you know you will rock again next year because almost everything is on SALE! 

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Carolina Living

And just like that, the snow is gone and Spring is in the air! You gotta love living in the Carolinas, it's January 23rd, and 65 degrees outside!

As if previewing Spring transition pieces aren't enough to get you ready for April showers to bring May flowers, this weather is kicking my love for floral prints and sandals into high gear! 

I have been a busy little bee planning my trip to New York Fashion Week next month and I am excited to bring you all some fantastic content while I'm there! I will be working with some pretty amazing boutiques and have already secured a seat at the Sherri Hill, Pamella Roland and Mac Duggal shows, although I am also hoping to cover some street wear as well. 

I am especially excited about the Pamella Roland show. If you saw Halle Berry at the SAG awards in her gorgeous nude and black illusion gown you know how stunning Pamella Roland designs can be!  

By the way, if you missed the 24th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards last night, we break down the good, the bad and the ugly on the Red Carpet during our Style Squad Podcast. This week we feature guest blogger Laura from Smart Southern Style as she helps me decipher the fashion hits and misses from the show. 

 In the meantime, while I am dreaming of the big apple I wanted to share this romantic spring silhouette with you! This cropped sweater is perfect for the changing weather and the skirt is a high waisted feminine piece that will look great on so many body types. It creates a trim waist and long legs. Sign me up! 

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Ice Princess

I know we all woke up a little disappointed this morning when we opened our eyes and there was no snow on the ground. She was a little delayed but Mother Nature delivered what she had promised.

I know when I started my day at 3:45 this morning I thought"Here we go again. Another Snow My God winter weather advisory where nothing happens." I even joked with my co-workers this morning that I wasn't coming in because I couldn't dig myself out of the house, but little did I know just hours later the snow would start and keep coming.

The blanket of white outside my window now makes me feel like I am in a Winter Wonderland! In fact, it's got me feeling like an Ice Princess so I thought I would share this sweet look with you.

I randomly found this dress yesterday while I was digging through the sale rack at Anthropologie. The sweater and skirt look is one piece and is darling when paired with a little denim jacket! (Size down. I normally wear a small and I have on an XS here.)  I have also accessorized this look with gold jewelry from Bauble Bar, strappy heels, and a topknot.

This dress would be a great addition to your spring transition closet, especially for the price!

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Tuesday Blues

The Tuesday Blues aren't so bad, at least if you're talking about these Tuesday Blues... 

As new seasonal lines roll in and we transition from winter to spring, we have a lot to look forward to in the fashion department. This vibrant blue caught my eye on my last trip to Fabrik Birkdale and I knew I had to share it with all of you! 

The ruffle sleeve gives the perfect hint of spring, while these velvet embroidered booties still hang on to the bite of winter. Both are easily paired with a pair of jeans and a great bold necklace. 

I am headed to a movie screening this afternoon for Maze Runner 3: The Death Cure and I think this is the perfect relaxed yet dressy look to go from the movies to casual drinks with my hubby after the show. 

I loved the Maze Runner book series so I am excited to see the last installment of the movies! We are usually under embargo for a few days after screenings but I will share with you my review as soon as possible! 

Happy Tuesday! 

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A Meaningful Monday

Normally Mondays got us like, ugh!

Today, however, isn't just any other Monday. It's MLK Day. A day for us to remember that all things are possible and it's a reminder for us to be open and accepting of each other.

Hopefully, you had today off. If not here is a great casual look that is sure to brighten your day! I love this cold shoulder lace up sweater from Express. It comes in the prettiest shades that will take you right into spring and it's ON SALE!

With a lace-up sweater like this, you can keep the accessories light. No need to go overboard. A simple Kendra Scott pendant necklace like this is subtle and keeps the look light and airy.

I've paired this look with my favorite Just Black jeans and Chinese Laundry booties. I know you guys see these booties on me all the time, but they legit go with everything. If you could only have one neutral bootie in your closet, this is it!

Another great piece I can't get enough of is a neutral clutch. I always say to invest in bags and shoes because good ones will last forever.

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#TIMESUP

The sun has set on this year's Golden Globes but it is an award ceremony we will be talking about for years to come. The 75th annual Golden Globes was the microphone for a different kind of initiative this year, it was a moment in time where Hollywood not only stood up for itself but for women (and men) around the world who have fallen victim to sexual assault and harassment. 

Once a sea of color, the red carpet this year was a statement of black dresses (and suits) from wall to wall. The lack of color was accompanied by a simple pin on each lapel that read, "Times Up". 

Times up on the Harvey Weinsteins of the world. Time is up for sexual harassment and assault. Time is up on gender bias. This simple pin, although small means big things, and the pin itself is sold out. 

What do the names Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Sara Jessica Parker all have in common? Not only are all of these women at the forefront of this initiative but they are also (along with the Me Too movement) raising money to help people pay their legal fees who have fallen victims to sexual harassment and assault. The program has already raised 15 million dollars. What an accomplishment! 

Although I may not be on board with what all of these ladies decided to wear to the award ceremony, I am definitely in love with what they stand for! With that being said I do what to talk about the fashion of the night! 

My best dressed of the evening goes to Kate Hudson in a stunning sheer Valentino gown that was void of rhinestones or sequins. The illusion netting was the perfect amount of "look at me" and sexiness for the red carpet. 

My worst dressed of the night, unfortunately, goes to a woman who is usually a style icon for me. She took a chance but it seemed to miss the mark this time around. Sara Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana. Our very own Carrie from Sex in the City was channeling her inner style diva a little too hard Sunday night. 

Sara wore a tea length dress complete with a belt, and a flared skirt, and 4 different textures of fabric and sheer sleeves... do you see where I am going with this? It was just too many gimmicks on one dress. Again I LOVE what she is doing with the Times Up movement I just wish she would have done something a little more "classic" for this event. 

If you have an event coming up that has you wanting to channel your inner celeb this year, I have put together a list of black gowns that are sure to be showstoppers below! 

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