"What's In My Carry On?" NYC Edition

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

In honor of my impending trip to New York, I decided to share what I keep in my carry on bag. I always try to have a travel blanket in case it's cold (which it ALWAYS is). Having a semi-healthy snack on hand is always a must, otherwise I head straight for the closest fast food option with a milkshake. I prefer these Special K chocolate pretzel bars because they taste like a candy bar and allegedly are healthy...which is good enough for me. Also, keeping a bottle of Evian facial spray on hand can make all the difference in my efforts of looking fresh faced upon arrival. All of these things fit ever so nicely in my handy dandy Le Pliage Tote. I've been hooked ever since I picked it up last spring at the Longchamp store in Paris. The genius is that it's expandable; so even if I wind up doing a 'little' shopping I'll still have room for everything. Is anyone else headed to NYC for the conferences next week? I'm getting so excited!

Black, White, and Ritchey

Sunday, August 26, 2012
Blair Ritchey Lulu SideSmile Style
Today I wanted to share my latest accessory obsession with y'all: Blair Ritchey. I recently discovered her bags on instagram, and knew I needed to add one to my collection! After much agonizing, all of the bags are so cute, I finally settled on the Lulu Clutch. I opted for the black and white snake print with a mint tassel for a little pop of color. The best part is that Blair is such a geniuinely nice person: accompanying my purchase was a hand written note. You can check out the rest of her line and personal blog at BlairRitchey.com.
Lulu Blair Ritchey Snake Mint

Blair Ritchey Lulu clutch
Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg (old). Vest: Forever 21. Shoes: Alexander Wang. Bag: Blair Ritchey. Sunglasses: Super Duper. Jewelry: BaubleBar, Lily and Laura, Betsey Johnson, Borrowed Aztec Cuff, Elly's Couture, Alex Monroe, Bfrend by Monika.


Photos by: Alex Yoss

LuLus.com: Gold Dust

Friday, August 24, 2012
Lulus Gold Dust Woman

Today I am wearing the "Gold Dust Woman" dress from Lulus.com. It has just enough flounce, ruffle, and shimmer to be right up my alley. I decided to pair it with my favorite denim vest from J.Crew, some woven open toe booties, and this amazing Aztec cuff (borrowed from Kathryn) to give it more of a Western Ballerina vibe...I'm not sure if that is a real thing, but I think it turned out alright! AND from now until the 27th you can score this dress and more from Lulus.com with the Promo code: SIDESMILE (case sensitive)! Happy Shopping :)

Lulus Gold Dust Woman Dress

LuLus Gold Dust Woman Dress

Shop this Look: 
Dress: Gold Dust Woman c/o Lulus.com. Vest: J.Crew. Shoes: Vince Camuto. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Monogram Necklace: West Avenue. Bracelets: Lily and Laura, Ellys Couture, Silver Cuff (borrowed).




Photos by: Alex Yoss

Missoni and Bows

Wednesday, August 22, 2012


Shirt: Missoni for Target (similar). Skirt: Forever 21 (similar). Shoes: RED Valentino. Belt: Anthropologie. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: West Avenue Monogram Necklace, Michael Kors, Bfrend by Monika, Betsey Johnson, Little Gold Button by Allison Blase, Ring's Eclectic, Lily and Laura.

Outlet Therapy

Monday, August 20, 2012

 I must say that Outlet Therapy is considerably cheaper (and therefore better) than Retail Therapy! While in Dallas I got a chance to bop on over to the Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Off Fifth outlets. I found so many cute things, and y'all know how much I love a deal! I wanted to be comfy but still cute for shopping, so I decided to go with my new high-low skirt and  StyleMint classic white tee. I picked up this necklace while shopping on road trip last week at Riffraff in Fayetteville, Ar. It was the perfect way to jazz up this outfit. Happy Monday!


Shirt: StyleMint. Skirt: Elly's Couture. Shoes: Tory Burch. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Clutch: Louis Vuitton via Portero. Necklace: Riffraff. Jewelry: Lily and Laura, Bfrend by Monika, Betsey Johnson, Ring's Eclectic, Michael Kors Watch, Alex Monroe, Nordstrom.

Happy Hour

Sunday, August 19, 2012

 One of the best parts of being back in Dallas the past few days has been being able to catch up with old friends. I snapped these pics outside of Gloria's (one of the best mexican restaurants in Dallas) before having happy hour margaritas with my friend Lauren. I decided to keep things casual and pair this Urban Outfitters dress with my trusty J.Crew denim vest. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!




Dress: Urban Outfitters. Vest: J.Crew. Shoes: RED Valentino. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: Madewell Spiked Necklace (similar), Lily and Laura, Alex Monroe, Nordstrom. Nails: Shellac Strawberry Smoothie and Tutti Fruity.


Get the Look:



On Repeat

Thursday, August 16, 2012


 Lately I have been wearing this outfit on repeat. I've been pairing this skirt from Asos with a shirt I picked up at Elly's. The studs on the shirt gives the outfit a little bit more edge in contrast with the ballerina vibe of the skirt. Tying up the shirt gives the illusion that my torso is ever so slightly shorter...hopefully.


 Top: Elly's Couture (similar). Skirt: Asos. Shoes: RED Valentino (similar). Bag: Alexander Wang. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: West Avenue Monogram Necklace, Lily and Laura, J.Crew, Rings Eclectic. Lipstick: Nars Jungle Red.

Shop this Look:



LATELY IN INSTAGRAM LAND - AUGUST

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sorry for the lack of posting lately, but this week has been crazy! I took a little road trip with my mom from Columbia down to Dallas, stopping in Branson, Missouri and Fayettville, Arkansas along the way.

Top Row: We were greeted at the door of the Big Cedar Lodge in Branson by this handsome fellow. He was delightful as far as giant stuffed bears go... // We had the best lunch at the Devil's Pool restaurant on the property. // This was our wonderful view from our room, I really didn't want to leave!

Middle Row: I snapped this picture on our way from Branson to Fayetteville, the sky was so gorgeous that day (no filter I might add)! // I was lucky enough to get to borrow this amazing bangle of Kathryn's for the afternoon, the moment needed to be photographed :)

Bottom Row: After several days of driving, I finally arrived in Dallas and got to have dinner with a few girlfriends at my favorite Thai restaurant Malai Kitchen in West Village. Their Ginger Bird Margarita is one of my favorite cocktails in town! // I am attending the IFB and Lucky Fabb conferences (along with the lovely Bethany of BSOUP) and I have been shopping for outfits non-stop! I was so excited to find this burgundy leather peplum top at the H&M in NorthPark, I think it will be a great option for NYC. //  Yes I brought this jewelry stand all the way from Missouri to Texas for just 2 weeks. I'm hoping that my fellow bloggers will understand that with my addiction to arm parties, it is no longer possible to pack light. The rest of my friends and family have been less understanding haha.

Hope y'all have a great start to your week!



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Saturday Night Fever + JEWELIQ Giveaway

Saturday, August 4, 2012

This outfit is a direct result of what I like to call the "Rachel Zoe Effect". Like clockwork, after watching too many reruns of her show on bravo, I begin to feel a strong urge to wear anything in my closet with strong 70s vibe. Enter this diva zig zag pattern jumpsuit I recently picked up from work. And if you are going to wear a diva jumpsuit, you might as well throw on some platforms, right?



Jumpsuit: Pixie Dust via Elly's Couture (similiar). Sweater: Target. Shoes: Topshop. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Necklace: c/o JEWELIQ. Jewelry: Lily and Laura, Betsey Johnson, Ring's Eclectic, Alex Monroe, Nordstrom, Bfrend by Monika.

In other news: I hit 300 followers this week! To celebrate this little milestone, I am hosting a giveway! JEWELIQ is an ingenious online retailer that provides trendy and classic jewelry at some amazing price points (everything is $25 or under...score). I myself am partial to the clover collection-I am sporting their turquoise necklace today. By now you guys know the drill, just log into rafflecopter widget below with your email or facebook and voila you are ready to enter. The mandatory entries are to "like" JEWELIQ on facebook and to follow SideSmile Style on GFC and Bloglovin. Everything after that earns you extra entries! Good luck!

LuLus.com Pearly Girl

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

I tend to err on the more conservative side, but I am in love with this 'Pearly Girl Chambray Cut Out Dress' that Lulus.com sent me. It is the perfect way for me to show a little skin without being too scandalous. I also love the embellished collar, which I have been seeing everywhere lately! Have you guys dared to bare with this cutout trend?




Links to Shop this Look:
Dress: c/o Lulus.com. Shoes: RED Valentino (sold out-similar here). Bag: Alexander Wang. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Monogram Necklace: West Avenue. Jewelry: Alex Monroe, Nordstrom, Ring's Eclectic via Elly's Couture, Lily and Laura, Bfrend by Monika.



ps. for even more adorable dresses at great prices check out Lulus.com here!

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