Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The September Issue: Ten Fall Wedding Looks


Hello! Once again I'm thrilled to be collaborating with, Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood, and several other bloggers to bring you another edition of the September Issue: What to Wear to A Fall Wedding. If you missed the first issue on styling white dresses after Labor Day, just click here!

I must admit that I ended up going in a completely different direction that I originally intended.  However, I'm a little giddy over the results. You know I dig these adidas shoes. We're like peas and carrots. Mash potatoes and butter. Sweet potato and cinnamon. Collagen powder and coffee. What? I thought I'd make a few up of my own.  ;)

Honestly, I woke up one morning with thoughts of my adidas sneaks styled with this dress rolling around my brain. How's that for getting the day started? Sheesh. Just the same, early morning ideas are usually my best, so without testing the theory out, I packed up this outfit and met my sweet friend Rachel for some pictures later that evening.


Now I know some folks may be cringing at the thought of showing up to a friend's wedding in fashion sneakers. I get it! I would say, know your bride. Rachael is getting married in March and said she would welcome me in this garb. So Rachael my dear, you may see this outfit again. ;)
And if you're still cringing grab those heels and you're ready to go! Just remember to pack the sneaks for the dance floor. You know you're going to chuck those heels off before long. 



Can you tell that I love the pockets on this dress?? That's how I walked around the town for the entire evening. Before we knew it, twilight was upon us (where's Edward?? - bad joke I know.) and we had little time left for picture taking fun. I'm just glad we found this fun spot on the square in Duluth!

As far as the leather jacket goes, in the south we never know if it's going to be a hot one or if our teeth will be chattering and our backs clenched in protest from a sneaky night chill.

Outfit Breakdown: Jacket: Michael Kors (Macy's Option 1, Nancy's Fashion Style)/Striped Dress: White House Black Market (Fun Option, Similar With Pockets!) /Adidas (Rack Room shoes)/Layered : Clutch: Aveda Gift/Necklaces: Premier Designs Jewelry: (Dressed to Thrill Long Chain, Daring Choker and 2nd Layer)
Linking up with Michelle's PaigeNot Dressed As Lamb, Spread the Kindness,Nanc's Fashion StyleA Pocketful of PolkadotsPFashion Should be FunClassy Yet TrendyHigh Latitude Style

Confession: Glam is a struggle for me. Instead of looking like a princess when I'm all dressed up, I feel more self-conscious. Any one else? For me the extra makeup accentuates that which I'd rather mask, so other than eye fun, I stay as natural as possible. Permit me to restate: know your bride and know your venue. That makes all the difference. And be sure to check out the other 9 bloggers and their fabulous wedding outfits!



 Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood blogs from Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, USA (originally from Albania, Europe).
Shelbee from Shelbee on the Edge blogs from Watertown, New York, USA.
Roxanne from Glass of Glam blogs from Washington, DC, USA.
Stephanie from Glamorous and Geeky blogs from Florida, USA.
Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots blogs from South Carolina, USA.
Kristin from Countdown to Friday blogs from Germany, Europe (originally from The States).
Michelle from Michelle's Pa(i)ge blogs from Long Island, New York, USA.
Chrissy from Granola and Grace blogs from Georgia, USA.
Cristina from Memories of the Pacific blogs from Spain, Europe.
Laura from I Do deClaire blogs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Quick Story From Our Night in Duluth


Well my friends, I close with thoughts of sweet Rachael and our final moments of this incredibly fun adventure. These moments take us back to the food truck. It was getting late and all the food trucks were getting ready to pack up. After walking through our options once more, we decide on what appears to be legit mediterranean. One whiff of the aroma and it's confirmed...

"Two gyros please."

"We are out of the fries that go with that. You can have Lays potato chips instead." (Oh boy.)

"Well. Ok."

While waiting on our food we occupied ourselves by snapping a few pictures together.  It wasn't long before the Peace of Pita owner offered to take our picture for us. How nice!

My name is called. We walk up and grab our paper trays. Boy, those tantalizing gyros look good and my mouth begins to water.  But those Lays potato chips just don't seem right.

Downcast and disappointed we exchange looks.

"Want me to ask if they will substitute a small side of the hummus instead of these chips??"

I approach the window.

Um. Excuse me, but would it be possible to exchange this bag of Lays for a small side of your homemade hummus?

Awkward pause.

He checks with the manager. The very same manager who snapped our picture.



Bam! It was delicious. Thank you Peace of Pita. We eat our food and catch up on life. I add this picture to my story and it isn't long before Rachel notices that we are on their IG page.

I hope you enjoyed this post and wedding edition of the September Issue. :)


Much love,

Chrissy
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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Casual Looks: Not Too Bad & Oh So Sad



Last week my entire family snuggled up safe, warm and dry while the winds put on a show outside. We thought for sure a tree would come down, but thankfully they remained intact. Only the steady rains and the flying debris made us aware of the tropical storm, brought on by hurricane Irma. Thankfully we were not without power and aside from the subdued climate in our home it was almost a normal day. 

The dreary grey from hung around for a few more days...it makes everything look sad; sad and dirty. Mud and yard debris still lines our lawn, driveway and front porch. I feel as if this grey pallor has settled onto my complexion. Makeup appears to be caked on and no color seems to blend. So I give up and go for black and neutral.  


There's no point in styling the hair so I grab a ball cap, making today's post is all about comfort and functionality.  Black leggings and a black cami are layered up with this dress from Zara and a rain coat. As far as the adidas shoes go, I told you they would be making their way into many posts to come; just as they should!



Outfit Breakdown:

Trench: Cast Off/Hat: Hand-Me-Down/Shirt Dress: Zara (OLD)/Leggings: WHBM/Adidas: RackRoom Shoes/Minx Necklace (Premier Designs)

Cupcake for this outfit? 24 Carrot!


Oh So Sad: Outfit Fail

Now let's take a quick peek at the next outfit I put together. I will be adding this to my list of outfit fails! The morning started out cool and the outfit looked fine with the sweater on, but when I tied that sweater around the waist...





Something about those boots with those leggings. It just doesn't translate. Ah well, you live and you learn, right?

My little photographer told me to crouch down and pose in front of the sign at the cupcake shop. So I did...


I had all 4 boys with me on this trip to Splat. Here are their selections...

3 Orea and one Chocoholic
I opted for a pumpkin spice latte over the cupcake. Delicious!


Well, that's all for today my reader friends! Much love,

Chrissy
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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

September Issue: LWD Styled for Fall


----------------------------------------------------
 Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood blogs from Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, USA (originally from Albania, Europe).
Cristina from Memories of the Pacific blogs from Spain, Europe.
Roxanne from Glass of Glam blogs from Washington, DC, USA.
Chrissy from Granola and Grace blogs from Georgia, USA.
Michelle from Michelle's Pa(i)ge blogs from Long Island, New York, USA.
Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots blogs from South Carolina, USA.
Laura from I Do deClaire blogs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Linda from A Labour of Life blogs from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Shelbee from Shebee on the Edge blogs from Watertown, New York, USA.



Hello, hello! Today I'm thrilled to be one of the 8 bloggers joining the sweet Ada, from Elegance and Mommyhood in her featured post, The September Issue: 9 Ways to Style a Little White Dress for Fall!  Ada has this gift at making everyone feel valued and special, as well as getting women together via cyberspace. I'm thankful she has taken me under her blogger wing. ;) Anyway, when I received the graphic with all our pics side-by-side, the first thing I noticed was how we each did something different. How fun is that! 
At Ada's inspiration, I pulled this adorable, off the shoulder white ombre dress with bell sleeves from my closet. It was a gift for my birthday and I'd only worn it once. I asked where it came from and I was told: a local boutique. Anyway, I knew immediately that I'd try it with my fall booties from last year, which led me right to this kimono, sweater vest. 


The vest ended up being the perfect weight for the slight chill this night afforded. And what a beautiful, delightful night it turned out to be.  The small downtown of Duluth, Georgia was teeming with people. After all, it was a Friday night and the last night for the food trucks (I didn't check beforehand). Yes! I posed for these pictures all over that town, with passerby on constant. It just added to the adventure of the evening! 

Another aspect of this adventure was the fact that one of "my" girls, Rachael, from my days in high school ministry, who is now a college grad and engaged to be married, met up with me to take these pictures! It honestly felt surreal. Our calendars lined up and the night that we've messaged about for a couple of years actually happened! 


Now let's get back to this outfit and talk gold! Once I had decided on gold accessories, the jewelry came together quickly!

"Glam Girl" hangs on a necklace post across from my bed and each day it beckons to be chosen. The trending aurora borealis, colored stones combined with the edgy outer details draws the eyes to my impact zone and most days that's what I'm going for! So I was feeling it and the opportunity came. 



These bangles are a mix of two sets I have from Premier and I love them. Though I often just wear one because the jingle that goes along with any movement can be distracting at times. But what are bracelets without the existence of bangles somewhere?

Outfit Breakdown: LWD: Local Boutique (birthday gift)/Kimono Vest: LOFT (last year)/Booties: (Similar)/Clutch: OLD!/Bangles: Premier(Exact, BandsofGold)/Watch: Premier (Exact)/Necklace: Premier (Glam Girl)/ Earrings: Premier (Zoey)
Linking up with Shelbee on the EdgeMichelle's PaigeNot Dressed As LambClassy Yet TrendyLiving On Cloud NineHigh Latitude StyleA Pocketful of PolkadotsFashion Should be Fun

Well, look at the time. This post must go live, as my fellow September issue bloggers must be live by now! I hope you have a wonderful week and will have time to visit each fabulous lady featured today. :)

Much love,

Chrissy





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Monday, September 11, 2017

Jumpsuit Transitions to Fall



Hello my reader friends! As you can see it's windy in the lovely state of Georgia. For some these last few weeks have been a nightmare that I'm sure they've not woken up from. Texas and Florida, we're thinking of you and praying for you. In addition, I glanced at my calendar and noticed that it's 9/11. Perhaps it's fitting that skies are grey, rain pours down at a steady pace and the atmosphere at home is quiet and subdued.


It's hard to write about outfit posts with all that's transpiring around us. However, we still need to get dressed, don't we? And what could be better for days like this, then the most comfortable article of clothing I own? This jumpsuit will transition to fall so easily. When you are a 2 for 1 deal, there's little thought involved in styling. Pick your shoes, decide on your jewelry and grab an extra layer for whatever chill awaits.


And that's what I did. These boots are old and I've been trying to replace them for two years, with little success. It's not that there are not good choices. I'm just waiting for the right choice at the right price. With a gift card to DSW waiting in my wallet, I anticipate a finding the perfect pair!


Until then, I'll divert my attention with my latest in jewelry accessories. I absolutely love the edgy feel with this hematite jewelry. The delicate strand could also be a simple accessory to a dressy night out, wearing it in the front or the back.




I'm not sure why, but I've enjoyed throwing one bangle with a wider stretch or wrap bracelet. If the bangles fit further up on my forearms; even better.

Well that it's my friends. I feel about as motivated as a slug today. Are you sensing my lackadaisical attitude in today's post?  Perhaps I should call it quits and just read a book!


Outfit Breakdown:
Jacket: Michael Kors (Gift)/Jumpsuit: GAP (clearance find)/Ankle Boots: Target (OLD)/ Hematite Jewelry: Premier Designs (Dressed to Thrill Necklace, Afterglow Collar Necklace, Wrap "Must Have" Bracelet, Stretch "Edgy" Bracelet)

By the way, I was inspired by friend Andrea, on the left, to get this jumpsuit back out of the closet. Doesn't she look adorable in her jumpsuit?? And I can't leave out the cutie in the middle, Amy, who would kill me for adding this. ;) Pics were taken at our women's event last week.


One more. Look at these two twinning... Andrea and Lindsey.


Oh, ok. Last one...the talented musicians I was blessed to work with...

Pamela, Rebekah, Brennan & Daniel
Now, I'll will close with this week's cupcake choice. ;)

Strawberry Chocolate Vegan


Much love!

Chrissy
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Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Red & The Mysterious Young Girl


Hi! I hope this post finds you happily back into the swing of life after our long weekend. Or perhaps you feel as off kilter as I do. What day is it anyway? No matter. What I do know is that I wore this dress on Sunday morning. My latest pair of peep toe wedges continue to add new life to the dresses hanging in my closet. I keep reaching for a new one at every opportunity. With red being one of the fall colors for 2017, it seemed only natural to grab this red hand me down from a friend.

But what of the girl with me in the photo? Yes, I'll explain but first, accessories. ;)



Once I picked the shoes and denim jacket, the rest of the accessorizing was fun. I worked up from the gold in the shoes, along with the knowledge gold and red go beautifully. The pearl tassel necklace is one of my newest and I couldn't wait to try it out! As you can see I didn't stop there with the layers. I can't help myself!


I picked this bangle to pair with the matching pearl bracelet as a reminder. The week before was particularly emotionally challenging and I needed to remember that when I overcome in Christ, my faith grows. When the next trial comes I'M STRONGER THAN YESTERDAY, because I trust Him more.

Now, before I move on to the mystery girl, allow me to share a few pics from when I was experimenting with this new necklace...

Choker in the front with tassel...


No Tassel


View from The Back


Isn't that fun? Also, as I began to type the outfit breakdown, I realzied that the only new items in this outfit are the shoes, necklace and bracelet, proving once again the versatility created in one's closet with a few new accessories. 

Outfit Breakdown:
Denim Jacket: OLD/Dress: Hand-Me-Down/Shoes:  (Rack Room Shoes) Purse: Hand-Me-Down/Necklace: Premier Designs/Pearl Bracelet: Premier Designs/Bangle: Premier Designs


Ok, but what of this stunning young lady in the pictures? A little random right? I just start blabbering on about the weather, which has been gorgeous here in Georgia, and practically ignore the fact that I'm posing with this beauty. Allow me to explain.

I'm leaving church with my boys trailing, just like I aways do. As I round the corner, a young lady I've never seen before, is leaned up against the brick wall. I cannot help but notice her hat and fun, unique style. You know I love hats! She looks up from her phone and I see a beautiful face, makeup expertly applied. I had to speak with her.


"Hi! I love your style. Are you new here?"

She's way cool. ;)
This begins an extended conversation. Turns out she is not new to our church, we've just not yet crossed paths (we have a large campus, with varying schedules).  Our conversation went from style to her passion for make-up, particularly in the realm of special effects, etc.  Soon we both had to move on, but not before I asked for a few pics! Oh, and would she mind being on my blog? As you can see, she's a natural! Her mom, who walked up while we were chatting,  graciously snapped these quick photos and I left with a spring in my step. I now follow Becca on Instagram and I'm sure we will meet again. These are the adventures that I love! I'm reminded to keep my eyes open to those around me.

What about you my reader friends? What are the adventures that thrill you or add excitement to your life? I love hearing from you!

Chrissy
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