Soul of a Sailor

But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean. – H.P. Lovecraft

Let’s be honest: I never really had a choice. When I was only seven-and-a-half weeks old, my parents packed up the car, and the three of us made the drive from Augusta, Georgia to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Seeing as it was the middle of March, the weather was a bit too cold to really enjoy the beach. Even so, because of my father’s remarkable love for the water, he insisted that I see the ocean at such a young age. His plan worked: I’ve been in love with the water ever since.

all bundled up for my first beach trip!

While I may not remember this memory myself, it’s one of my most treasured moments from my babyhood. As a young child, I was more of a Gulf Coast girl. On family vacations, we frequented Destin and Seaside, the Back Porch and Bud and Ally’s. We usually traveled through “LA,” and as a gullible little girl, I never quite understood that Daddy merely meant “lower Alabama.”

During my middle school years, my parents found a treasure of a beach on St. George Island, and we’ve been spending time there ever since. At the beach house (affectionately called Fish Camp), life is simple: it’s filled with seafood and sunshine, sand dunes and sea oats. We take boat rides in the mornings and bike rides in the afternoons. On one particularly lucky late September night, we watched the baby sea turtles hatch, helping to be their guiding light towards the water.

Not only do I enjoy the water when I’m on vacation, but I also enjoy it when I visit my parents in the house where my brother and I were raised. Growing up with a lake in my backyard, I was permanently spoiled with an immensely beautiful view. For me, my happy place has always been sitting down by the dock. It’s my favorite place to write, to think, to just be. And I’m lucky enough to have two furry companions who agree with me.

Because of my constant proximity to water for as long as I can remember, I’m simpler happier when a river, pond, lake or ocean is nearby. I may not have inherited much from my dad when it comes to looks, but I like to think that my love for the water is something that he passed along. I know it’s a feeling that I’ll keep close to my heart forever.

happy day in the sand for me and Colin

Music & Memories

Every song has a memory; every song has the ability to make or break your heart. – Andy Warhol

I love music. Yes, I am a Gleek. Yes, I see a Broadway show whenever the opportunity presents itself (which was twice during one particularly rainy New York City weekend). Yes, when a song strikes a chord (pun intended), I have a tendency to listen to it again and again – why mess with a good thing? And no, I cannot carry a tune in a bucket – or a barrel, for that matter.

No matter my mood, country music is always my first choice for background noise.  I was lucky enough to take a class on the history of country music during my senior year in college (one perk of going to school in Nashville) and got a behind-the-scenes look into this genre.  Most notably, country music is unique to America; it is the only music that we can claim as our own.  Started by the working men and women in the early 1900s, these songs are relatable and real, telling the stories of the people who sung them.  While country music has evolved tremendously, it still captures happiness and heartache, connecting its listeners through these common feelings.

It is this type of music that serves as the soundtrack for my own experiences. The first song that I listened to on innumerable repeat was “She’s In Love with the Boy,” by Trisha Yearwood. As a girl who has always been boy crazy, I wanted to fall in love with a Tommy who drives a beat-up Chevy truck (and I also wanted to be named Katie).

A big mile-marker in my little girl world was my first dance with a boy. I’ll forever think of this moment and this boy every time I hear “Strawberry Wine,” by Deana Carter.  We were at a middle school Christmas dance (very romantic, I know), and I was wearing a long-sleeved, knee-length red crushed velvet dress.  As tragic as this fashion choice seems, it was selected with incredible excitement for this very event (an early example of occasion shopping).

More recently, when recovering from a broken heart, one song meant more to me than anything else: “Red Light,” by David Nail.  This song mirrors my own break-up nearly exactly, serving as proof-positive that someone else experienced – and survived – the same sadness and grief. Now, when I hear this song, I am reminded of the strength that I gained from that relationship – and I know that I am where I am now because of its ending.

Now, let’s shift gears a bit.  Since it’s (almost) December, I have a confession to make: I’ve been listening to Christmas music since the start of November (a certain boyfriend of mine is cringing right now). Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday, so by no means am I skipping over this time of year. I just prefer to make the most of my holiday playlist (aptly titled Christmas Carols), listening to it non-stop until the New Year begins.  And sometimes in July too.

one of my first CDs - Trisha Yearwood

the newest addition to my holiday playlist - Glee: The Christmas Album

Seeing Spots

My weakness is wearing too much leopard print. – Jackie Collins

While working in my church’s nursery recently, I saw one of my favorite little girl outfits to-date. A particularly well-dressed 18-month-old wore a black turtleneck and jeans, complete with a leopard-print belt, shoes and giant bow (of course). This budding fashionista served as perfect proof for two rules of fashion: black can be a perfect backdrop for any outfit. But when that black is too basic, animal print is the perfect way to liven up a look.

Designers seem to agree: there is a plethora of animal-print accessories this season, with leopard print being the dominating choice by far.  While a girl cannot go wrong with a leopard handbag or headband, my favorite expression of this trend is found in shoes (shocking, I know). Christian Louboutin has a pair of leopard booties or pumps for any mood, proving that he understands a woman’s need for options. For my shoe collection, I opted for a pair of Tory Burch leopard flats, bought a few years ago on Gilt Groupe.  In haircalf rather than leather or suede, the texture adds a little oomph to the shoes, making them the perfect addition to any neutral outfit.

one pair of leopard-print booties, three looks from Kim Kardashian

In an effort to further support my addiction to this trend, a new item has rapidly climbed to the top of my wish list: Rebecca Taylor’s Zip Front Hoodie in a heather grey puma-print. With temperatures finally dropping to the 40s, this sweater would be a great something extra to keep in my car and help me survive these chilly nights.  If only my budget agreed.

Leopard print can easily find its way into home décor as well.  I recently purchased a new welcome mat from Ballard Designs. Leopard print and prettily-wrapped in a green holiday bow, it is the perfect way to take this trend one step further and usher in the holiday season.

Happy hunting!

my favorite way to say merry christmas!

Way Down South

Oh the sweetest winds, they blow across the South… – Zac Brown Band, “Oh My Sweet Carolina”

As a little girl, living in the South meant summer days were passed wearing only a bathing suit and bare feet and summer nights were spent catching fireflies in the backyard. As I got older, it meant that our car radios blasted country music, that our cups were usually filled with sweet tea, that our tan lines lasted nearly all year. And then there was college. College in the South meant pairing pearls with sorority t-shirts, wearing dresses to football games and playing beer pong instead of Beirut.

No matter your age, there is one thing that truly brings Southerners together.  The start of fall signifies cooler weather, riding boots and falling leaves, but the most important marker of this time of year is football season. I believe that it was inevitable that my brother and I both attend SEC schools, partly due to proximity to home but equally due to our familiarity with the football teams. Having just watched the Auburn Tigers take on the Georgia Bulldogs (and kick some major butt), I can easily argue my case. Taking school pride to an unprecedented level, cars sported tiger tails, and students drank out of orange solo cups. It was even assumed that I was a Georgia fan based on my red car.  Good thing my parents were driving a blue one.

the stadium was filled with orange and blue. WAR EAGLE!

Born and raised in Georgia, I’ve lived in the same house in the same town since I was three years old.  As recent as 2009, Peachtree City was ranked the number eight Best Place to Live by Money magazine. The city’s claim to fame is unarguably the miles and miles of golf cart paths that stretch from side to side, making it easy to take a golf cart to nearly any destination. While my friends and I often referred to Peachtree City as Pleasantville and lamented our childhoods spent in “the bubble”, looking back, I cannot imagine a better place to call home.

It is for these reasons and many more that I ended up back in the South after two years away.  Being from the South means more than a funny accent and a friendly smile.  For me, it’s a way of life, a way of family – and something that I will always carry with me, no matter where I end up.

forever one of my favorite views: my backyard

Alice-in-Wonderland Bands

No headbands in college, okay? – Dan Humphrey, Gossip Girl

Blame it on Blair Waldorf, but headbands have made a comeback.  As shown by the number that I own (23, to be exact), I have fallen head over heels for this trend.  A headband is an easy way to express yourself or to hide a bad hair day, making it both fashionable and functional.  Furthermore, it is a great example of a little thing that can make a big difference. After all, a simple headband has the ability to make a sub par outfit into something spectacular.

one of my favorite Blair Waldorf fashion moments

The history of headbands is somewhat debatable. Some people believe that headbands originally took their shape from scarves that were worn around the head or from hats that tied under the chin.  Others trace this trend back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who wore hair wreaths for special occasions. They began decorating their wreaths with gold and silver jewels (perhaps the beginning of bedazzling?), and thus, the modern-day headband was born.

Over time, the wearing of headbands evolved, shifting from an accessory only worn at important events to something that is appropriate for any and every day.  Nowadays, it’s easy to find a headband in any shape or size with your choice of adornment – a flower, a bow or even just some sort of pouf (I own all of these examples). Still, your most basic option, the horseshoe-shaped headband, is easily found; it is sometimes called an Alice band because of the headband that Alice wore in Wonderland.

In case I haven’t been quite clear enough, I love headbands.  I love them so much, in fact, that I’ve spent many days suffering through a headache that can only be blamed on this accessory. However, taking off that headband and ruining my outfit is simply not an option.  Fashion is worth the pain, right? Personally, I think Blair deserves a thank you.

my most treasured Alice-in-Wonderland band

headbands are the perfect accessory for a day at the Hunt.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don’t know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened. – Oprah Winfrey

Revisiting the first season of Gossip Girl (trust me, it’s just as amazing three years later), I was reminded of one of my favorite girlhood traditions: slumber parties. Now, a Blair Waldorf soirée is not your typical sleepover.  Pastel-colored trundle beds and truffles on the Upper East Side translate to Disney-themed sleeping bags and freshly-popped popcorn in the real world. Even so, this overnight activity still plays a big role in every woman’s past.

Sleeping away from home for the first time is a big moment in a little girl’s life.  It’s easy for me to remember this treasured night because it was the day that my brother was born.  I was as excited as a big sister could be for Colin’s impending arrival, but having a three-year-old at the hospital makes things a bit too complicated. Instead, I spent the evening at a friend’s house and met the new baby the next day. My first sleepover and a little brother to torture – it was quite a big weekend in my world.

College is kind of like a slumber party that lasts for four years (or maybe more). You’re permanently sleeping away from home. Your family and high school friends are always a phone call away, but your college friends are just a knock-on-the-door – or sometimes even just a walk-to-the-other-side-of-the-room – away.  Of course, after a fun night out, we all usually ended up in one dorm room, proving that it is possible for seven girls to sleep on a couch and in three twin beds.

As a grown-up (which I am, even if based on age alone), I still love the occasional slumber party. Recently, after a long day of playing with babies (it’s harder than it sounds), I went over to a girlfriend’s for a seemingly harmless and low-key night. Three bottles of wine later, I was in no condition to drive home, so we had a spur-of-the-moment sleepover – a perfect way to start my weekend. Moreover, when I’m separated from my best friends by cities and busy lives, 24-7 bonding time is just what we need. A bottle of wine (or three), some delicious take-out and a chick flick – maybe dreams do come true.

how come my friends never threw slumber parties like blair waldorf?

baby brother was a good enough excuse for my first sleepover.

Dress to Impress

You may have great inner resources, but they don’t show up as confidence when you don’t feel pretty. And when the world approves, self-respect is just a little bit easier. The pursuit of beauty is honorable. – Estee Lauder

While on my post-college job hunt, I often had phone interviews rather than face-to-face meet-and-greets. Although this long-distance method of communication had nothing to do with what I was wearing, I always picked out a proper outfit for the big day. As someone who knows me better than most people in my life, my father reminded me of the confidence that comes with feeling pretty.

Now, I have an even bigger challenge when it comes to prepping for interviews.  As a nanny, I not only have to present myself in a put-together way, but I also have to ensure that whatever I’m wearing makes it easy for me to get down on the floor and play with kids.  I was recently put to this test, having an interview with a new family scheduled after a full day of nannying for an existing family.  I decided on J. Crew boyfriend jeans (comfortable enough to withstand chasing after a youngster all day) with a navy blue sleeve top and floral cardigan (both from J. Crew as well), making it easy to go from air-conditioned indoors to the sunny outdoors. Just to add a bit of “me” to the outfit, I wore hot pink Tory Burch Patent Reva Ballerina Flats.  I was happy with my choices – and I got the job.

I unconditionally believe that personal appearance plays a leading role in first impressions, and removing this piece of the puzzle unequivocally changes a relationship’s dynamic. It is always imperative to take pride in your identity. Be sure to dress to impress – even if it is only for the reflection smiling back at you in the mirror.

 

don't forget to smile!

Father-Daughter Bonding at…Chanel

Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. – Anne of Green Gables

When I was a little girl, my parents instilled in me a quality that never fails to bubble to the surface with every new opportunity and experience: the courage to dream – and dream big. It is, perhaps, this personality trait that led my 21-year-old self to the Chanel boutique with my heart set on a new handbag. Not just any black bag, mind you, but the bag: the Timeless Classic Tote in black-quilted leather with gold accents and marked by the forever-recognizable interlocking, double-C logo.

everything that a girl could ever want in a handbag

Lucky for me (and my nowhere-near-sufficient bank account), my parents were willing to loan me the money. I spent the summer interning in New York City and saved as many pennies as I could. By November, I had saved enough to pay for a portion of my perfect purse and agreed to pay off the rest throughout the next year.  Seeing as I was a senior in college during this time and not working, I’m not sure how I managed to follow this payment plan. Somehow, I did, and by November of the following year, the handbag was officially mine.

Now, my parents may have filled with my head and heart with ambition, but one lesson that never quite stuck with me was patience.  I was spending the rest of the holiday week away from home, and seeing as I packed my suitcase with the intentions of carrying this yet-to-be-purchased purse, my father was left with no choice but to take me to Chanel before dropping me off at the airport.  If only that errand could be a pre-trip ritual.

We’re nearing the three-year anniversary of my momentous purchase, and this bag is still the most treasured item in my closet. As much as I love it and plan to carry it forever, the main reason that it’s so special is because the story of how it came to be mine is also something that I will carry with me forever.

I’ve already set my sights on my next Chanel handbag. Just don’t tell my dad.

my first date - we danced the night away!

always a daddy's girl

Packing Lightly

If you know how to pack lightly, you know how to live lightly. Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride. – Diane von Furstenberg

As an indecisive girl with commitment issues, it is imperative that I have options when the time comes to get dressed.  I usually pick out a few outfits the night before (a habit that my mother taught my five-year-old self when I started kindergarten), helping my mornings to go a bit more smoothly.  But when I’m traveling, these choices must fit neatly into my suitcase, ready to be worn or cast aside depending on my mood.

With this idea in mind, I wholeheartedly believe that the most challenging and daunting aspect of taking a vacation is the mere thought of picking out – in advance, mind you – the perfect outfit for days and evenings that all hold the unknown. And bringing shoes, clutches, and jewelry into the mix? Nearly impossible. Moreover, packing never gets easier: every trip calls for different mix of items, making each time an entirely new and unrepeatable effort.

Despite the overwhelming nature of this task, I pride myself on my ability to pack.  In preparation for family vacations, my father was insistent that we not exceed a certain number of suitcases, the number being dependent upon the nature of the trip. For instance, when we went skiing, we had one (very large) suitcase devoted only to ski gear. The challenge, then, was fitting our regular clothes into two additional suitcases. I’d bring in piles of absolutely, inarguably must-be-packed sweaters and jackets and pants and shoes and be forced to leave many of them behind.

While I argued with my dad at the time, in hindsight, I appreciate this lesson learned.  A weekend trip to Vegas fits easily into a small duffle bag, while a week-long adventure at the beach can be tucked away in a carry-on sized rolling suitcase.  Last year, I ran into a friend at the airport over Labor Day weekend, and he was shocked that I had packed only a Longchamp tote bag (filled to the brim, of course) and my purse for a long weekend away.  Perhaps I’m not as high maintenance as boys so often assume.  With that being said, packing for an upcoming two-week trip to Colorado will truly put my skills (and my luggage selection) to the test. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Truth be told, as I write this post, I should be filling my suitcase for an upcoming trip to Miami. I’m attending a wedding with my boyfriend, and fitting the nine dresses and four pairs of shoes that I need (for a three-day trip, mind you) into my bag is proving quite impossible. Perhaps I should heed my own advice and pack a bit lighter.

my suitcase of choice: Longchamp Le Pliage trolley bag

A Pocketful of Sunshine

You have to keep a little glamour in your pocket every single day and remember that it’s there no matter what you like, what you’re wearing or how you feel. – Lea Michele

Last week, I dropped off a dress with my tailor.  Because of the side seams, she asked if she could close the pockets in order to make the requested alterations.  Based on the look of disbelief that crossed my face, she knew the answer was a resounding no. Putting on my problem-solving hat, I suggested that she add a seam to the back of the dress, thus completing the discussed changes and preserving the pockets. Crisis averted.

Just as I love the pocketed pieces that already fill the hangers in my closet, buying a new garment often comes down to one simple thing: does it have pockets? I would even venture to say that pockets have become my favorite accessory of late. They’re fun; they’re practical; and they give us a momentary glimpse into boy world.

Pockets come in a variety of sizes and locations. Front pockets work well on chunky sweaters and long cardigans, both of which can now be worn since the weather in Nashville is finally cool enough. I love having easy-to-access handwarmers or cell phone-holders. Side pockets are a worthwhile addition to any dress, skirt or romper, making it easy to hide your hands in a moment of uncertainty. When it comes to jeans or other pants, rear pockets often exist more so for improving posterior presentation than actual functionality.

Making my love for pockets even more accessible, designers are truly embracing the trend, incorporating them into clothes of all types and for all seasons.  Not only are they including pockets in as many pieces as possible, but they are as obsessed with them as consumers.  As Carolina Herrera said, “You know why I love pockets? Because I never know what to do with my hands. And you don’t have to go around with a handbag. Just put your lipstick in your pocket.” She makes a valid point: I love handbags as much as the next girl, but when I’m with my boyfriend, he inevitably ends up with my cell phone and lip gloss in his pockets. Unless I have my own, of course.

my favorite denim pockets - True Religion jeans

a girl can never own too many pocketed pieces, as shown by Carolina Herrera's S/S 2008 collection.